Two piglets rescued by the RSPCA from a tough start in life have moved into their new home at Bicton Agricultural College in East Devon.
The three-month-old sibling pigs – nicknamed Emma and Ellie – are already settling into farm life. The pair got a lucky break on the so-called unlucky date of Friday, February 13, when they were found abandoned along a driveway in Glastonbury.
They were taken into the care of one of the RSPCA’s livestock boarding establishments and have spent the last month enjoying clean bedding and plenty of good food to ensure they gained healthy weight and got back on their trotters!
Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Clara Scully, who was first on the scene, described the moment she saw the then starving pigs.
“When I arrived, I was shocked to see the condition they were in, but before I even saw them, I could hear them calling and crying out, letting us know they were starving and desperately seeking help,” said Ms Scully.
“It’s been wonderful to see their transformation over the last few weeks; they are now gaining weight and are full of personality.”
Thanks to the charity’s appeal, Miles Price, zoo manager at Bicton College heard about the pigs’ plight and was keen to give them a permanent place at the college.
Bicton College has rehomed animals from the RSPCA before, including exotic animals and other pigs, and welcomed the pair with open arms into The Animal Zone on the campus, which is home to over 130 different species.
Mr Price said: “Emma and Ellie have settled into their new homes sharing their new home with our resident Kune Kune Matilda and Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pigs Dylan and Wallace, previously arriving from the RSPCA.
“Their curious personalities have brightened up our Spring as they arrived with the sunshine bursting through the clouds, Emma and Ellie have quickly become favourites among the staff on the Bicton College Animal Zone.
“We are excited to watch them grow with our students; they are already getting bigger by the day.”
