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  • Bambam, the Lebenshof pig

    Our pigs

    At our sanctuary, pigs also find a home that meets their needs. Here, they can feast, wallow, and enjoy the sunshine. With us, the pigs have the space to explore their curiosity and develop their own unique personalities.

CURIOUS PIGS Rudi & Bambam

The two mini-pig sisters with unusual names arrived at our farm in January 2025, and their arrival marked the completion of a very extensive pigsty renovation project. The two adult female pigs came to us from a home that wasn’t exactly species-appropriate but was well-cared-for, and now they finally have space to play, explore, wallow, and sunbathe.
Before they came to us, they were rescued from slaughter by a young family and taken in more out of necessity than anything else. However, they had to live with the limited conditions, and the family quickly realized that this didn’t suit their nature and turned to us. Rudi and Bambam are two very lively and curious mini pigs and love all vegetables—except bell peppers, which they can’t stand.

Rudi and Bambam's Mini Pig Sanctuary

TWO LAZY MEN Ernie & Bert

Ernie & Bert, two pot-bellied pigs, came to us in April 2025 after being rescued from poor living conditions. Animal welfare activists had already saved them and had been searching for a suitable home for the two of them for a long time. Ernie & Bert are like two peas in a pod—very defensive and shy little fellows. Most of the time, they lie in their pen and sleep. And when they’re not sleeping, they’re eating! From now on, they get to live the best pig life!

THE PIG THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING Miss Piggy

When we took over the farm, Miss Piggy was just one year old—and was actually destined for slaughter. The previous owner had a tradition of slaughtering the so-called “garbage pig” on All Saints’ Day because it had been fed kitchen scraps for a year. But it was immediately clear to us: That had to change.
Until then, Miss Piggy had lived alone in a cramped space, even though pigs are highly social animals that need room to root, wallow, and, above all, companionship. But implementing species-appropriate care proved more complicated than expected—not least because of the strict regulations for pig farming, which were tightened even further after the outbreak of swine fever. Adding a second pig to the limited space wasn’t a solution after a failed attempt, so we looked for a better alternative.
Help came from the neighborhood: A farm offered to take Miss Piggy into an existing group of pigs. There, she finally had the space and companionship she needed. We, as a foundation, continue to provide for her and visit her regularly. Since her move, Miss Piggy has, by the way, doubled in number—and is now the proud leader of a group of three.
Her story was the foundation for Mut im Bauch and became a symbol of our farm. That’s why she holds not only our hearts but also our logo.

Miss Piggy - Mut im Bauch Animal Sanctuary
Bambam, the Lebenshof pig
Miss Piggy's Sanctuary: Courage in the Belly
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More Than Just Cute Pets What mini pigs really need

Mini pigs are lovable, intelligent, and very social animals. They are naturally curious and playful, and can form close bonds with their human companions. However, many mini pigs kept as “pets” face problems that often stem from misconceptions about their needs.

In industrial pig farming, pigs live in appalling conditions. They are kept in cramped pens where they can barely move. They are often confined to concrete stalls or small cages that offer no opportunity to act on their natural instincts. The animals are pumped full of medication to maintain their health under these stressful conditions and are ultimately slaughtered at a much too young age.

Mini pigs are not like dogs or cats that can be kept in small apartments. Despite their cute appearance and the misconception that they stay small, mini pigs can actually weigh up to 100 kg when fully grown—and often even more! Many people buy mini pigs as “pet toys” without realizing the responsibility that comes with caring for such an animal.
Mini pigs need plenty of space to dig, explore, and move around. They are intelligent animals that require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They should never be kept alone, as they are extremely social animals. A life in a cramped apartment or backyard without the opportunity to truly thrive often leads to behavioral problems, stress, and unhappiness.

For a happy life, miniature pigs need:

  • Plenty of space – They need plenty of open space so they can move around, dig, and follow their natural instincts.
  • Society – Miniature pigs are very social animals and should not be kept alone.
  • Enrichment – Mini pigs love to dig, root around, and play. It’s important to provide them with variety, whether through toys, digging areas, or hiding food.
  • Freedom and Safety – A miniature pig should have plenty of space to explore and rest, without the constant danger posed by traffic or unprotected areas.

In the wild, pigs can live up to 15 years. In industrial pig farming, however, they are typically slaughtered at around 6 months of age. Miniature pigs kept in a suitable home with proper care can live to be 12 years old or older. Yet many kept as “pets” experience health problems and are often given away or abandoned far too early.

Mini pigs deserve more than a life in a small cage or an apartment. At our sanctuary, we provide them with plenty of space, companionship, and activities so they can enjoy life to the fullest. Mini pigs are not toys—they are sentient, social beings who deserve respect and love. We are committed to ensuring that mini pigs are not merely viewed as cute pets, but that their actual needs are recognized and met.