Auckland was captivated by media reports of a pig wandering on the north-western motorway on Wednesday.
With so many interested in the adventurous animal, we asked Tracey Moore, Auckland Council’s Manager Animal Management, for an update.
“The pig is doing well, and is being well looked after by the staff at our Henderson Animal Shelter," says Tracey.
“She had pizza for breakfast this morning.”
Rescue mission
Animal Management picked the pig up on Wednesday afternoon from the motorway, where she was running loose and inadvertently holding up traffic.
“Apparently the pig fell out of a truck onto the motorway, in front of another vehicle. Members of the public stopped to help her, and called the police.
“The pig had a few scrapes and was understandably a bit frightened, but she seemed happy enough once she was put in the paddock at the shelter.
“We gave her some bread, water and an orange to eat, and she soon began to settle in and become much more trusting.”
Expert advice
Luckily, Animal Management has a behaviourist on board, who knows a lot about large pigs and could carry out an assessment.
The pig was left to rest for the night, and was booked in for an appointment with the vet the next morning.
“The vet confirmed that the pig is in good health, despite falling off a truck and being chased around the motorway,” Tracey said.
“He gave her topical treatment for the cuts and bruises, and an anti-inflammatory with pain relief for any muscular stress she may have experienced.
“She is expected to make a full recovery.”
Owner still sought
Despite all the attention the story had received, Tracey said that the pig’s owner has not yet contacted Animal Management. However, a happy ending may still be in sight.
“We do have someone who will adopt her, if an owner doesn’t come forward.”
