SC Animal Sanctuary Seeks Volunteers To ‘Cuddle’ With Rescued Pigs For Socialization

The Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary in Leesville, South Carolina is in search of pet lovers and volunteers who can help farm personnel in providing adequate care to rescued pigs who have yet to get acquainted with their new surroundings.

According to ABC affiliate KABC-TV, the SC animal sanctuary noted on its Facebook ad that volunteers who will sign up to become “piggy cuddlers” can feed cookies to the pigs. Care-providers will also need to talk to the kids and scratch their bellies.

Based on the requirements list provided by the farm, interested volunteers should be 18 years old or above. Those aged between 16 and 18 years old need to be accompanied either by their parent or a legal guardian.

For those who would rather care for pigs in the comforts of their homes, the South Carolina sanctuary offers an adoption program that primarily seeks foster and adoptive families for its rescued pot belly pigs.

The farm’s official website states that the adoption program is focused on finding safe and loving homes for its younger pigs since the farm was established mainly for the purpose of rescuing senior, neglected pigs.

The website also noted that while there are many sanctuaries for other pets such as dogs and cats, there are few shelters for neglected farm animals. Executive director of Cotton Branch Evan Costner said in a statement on the website that pigs, like cats and dogs, can “experience and express emotions.”

Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary rescued 225 neglected pigs back in December 2018 after Kentucky officials found over 500 malnourished pigs at the home of a hoarder. At that time, the farm only thought of rescuing up to 40 pigs.

According to CNN affiliate WIS, farm director Joshua Carpenter Costner said the pigs would be euthanized if they were not moved out of the property within three weeks. Through the support of concerned citizens and donors, the farm took home over 200 pigs for socialization.

Costner told the outlet that the plan is to help the rescued pigs adapt to their surroundings so they can be more open to socializing with other animals and people.

In the United States, there are other animal sanctuaries that offer various events featuring pigs, such as Rooterville in Melrose, Florida. The farm offers its Pig Yoga program that runs on the first Saturday of each month.

In pig yoga sessions, attendees are surrounded by pigs from the sanctuary as they breathe in and out. After each session, attendees will be allowed to play and cuddle with the pigs.