National Pig Day

National Pig Day, observed March 1st, celebrates pigs and aims to raise appreciation for an animal often underestimated despite its intelligence. The observance was created in 1972 by two sisters, Ellen Stanley of Lubbock, Texas, and Mary Lynne Rave of Beaufort, North Carolina, who wanted to give pigs a dedicated day of recognition for their intelligence, usefulness, and generally positive contributions, pushing back against the animal's sometimes unfair cultural reputation for being dirty or unintelligent. In reality, pigs are widely regarded by animal behavior researchers as among the most intelligent domesticated animals, comparable in cognitive tests to dogs and even some primates, capable of complex problem-solving, using mirrors to locate food, and exhibiting emotional responses to their environment. Pigs were domesticated independently in multiple regions of the world, including the Near East and China, roughly 9,000 years ago, and have since become one of the most widely farmed animals globally for pork production. Beyond farming, pigs, particularly smaller breeds like potbellied pigs, have also become popular household pets in recent decades. National Pig Day is generally celebrated with a lighthearted mix of pig-themed treats, décor, and, for some, a serious focus on the animal's intelligence and welfare.