Can Pigs Recognize Their Owners?

Pigs not only can recognize their owners but also remember at least 30 fellow animals as of now in science. Pigs are very intelligent species. In fact domesticated pigs are ranked in many statistics as being 2^nd after Chimpanzees.

Unlike many animals, pigs can locate their food using mirrors. So far only chimps, elephants, and dolphins can do that. Their memories are excellent as well. Pigs can directionally find their way back home even if their home is many miles away. Research has also shown that pigs are aware of the passage of time. They can even mourn the loss of their beloved owners and easily become depressed and self-destructive if not handled in time.

Research done in Illinois found that pigs could learn how to change the thermostat to a temperature of their choosing. They also have a great sense of smell and hearing, which comes in handy for them in the wild. But they do have one flaw and that’s their poor eyesight. They can remember their owner’s facial structure, voice, and scent. As far as color spectrum, pigs can only see certain dulled colors. The two main colors they didn’t respond to in trials were yellow and green.

Pigs are known to be filthy animals, but in reality they are very clean. Fun fact, they actually don’t sweat. So in the wild or outdoors they use mud to cool off with and to keep their skin protected from the harsh sun and helps ward off pesky bugs.

As of now the latest in research with pigs is of their brains. Apparently a 4-hour dead pig brain was resuscitated with artificial blood and stimulated for six hours. Their findings showed signs of normal brain cell function even after many hours of death. Not all activity was restored like emotions, thinking, and feeling. But there was other noticeable brain activity. Restoring brain function is now something researchers are going to look into more for the help of humans and brain diseases.

A domesticated pig can also live to be 15 to 20 years old. That’s a long life for an animal. Pigs are highly social, naturally friendly, and curious creatures. They are also very communicative. Known to have as many as 20 different vocal sounds, their squeal alone can reach up to 115 decibels, 3 decibels higher than a supersonic airliner. The mothers have even been heard singing to their babies while suckling, how cute is that!

With their lovable, friendly, and docile nature, pigs make for a great loyal companion animal. In the Chinese zodiac the pig is considered to bring good fortune and happiness into ones life.