They soaked up belly rubs and gave out kisses.
One had a pink sweater and another a mohawk.
They were stars of the Plaza for a day and these potbelly pigs plan to be back in a few weeks.
Debra Jo Chiapuzio, founder of the animal safety nonprofit the Emma Zen Foundation, and her friends brought their pet pigs to the Plaza earlier this month in honor of National Pig Day to raise awareness of the pleasures and difficulties of pig ownership.
“When you have animals, especially exotics, one of the things you need to do is be responsible,” said Chiapuzio. “Potbelly pigs are not for everybody or every family.”
Chiapuzio is the owner of sweater-wearing Baby Banks, who was joined in the Plaza by her boyfriend, mohawk-wearing Briar the Boar. Also there were Pig Baxter and Eddie.
Chiapuzio and her friends answered questions about pig ownership. She likened owning a pig to having a toddler; it’s in their nature to tear up their environment.
“There were a lot of young children who have never seen a potty belly in real life,” Chiapuzio said. “One of the kids sang ‘Old MacDonald’ to my pig. Those are the kind of reasons you go out in public with your pig.”
Those who missed the pigs can get another chance next month. The group plans to be back in the Plaza from 3 to 6 p.m. on April 4.
Contact the writer: 714-704-3771 or rkheel@ocregister.com
