The Moving Journey of Our New Lucky Pig
Ferdinand recently became part of our Fresopolis family – and his story is as extraordinary as it is touching. It is representative of the fate of many farm animals in Mallorca and shows how important committed animal welfare and a loving home are.
From Farm to Animal Welfare – and Almost Back to the Slaughterhouse
Ferdinand’s life began on a Mallorcan farm. He was the last survivor of a small pig herd when his owner – an elderly farmer – finally had to give him up. Ferdinand lived alone in an enclosure for a while, without regular food or water. His fate seemed sealed: he was to be slaughtered that same month. But then Rainer Lingelbach, a German holidaymaker, discovered Ferdinand by chance during a walk. Immediately fascinated by the gentle boar, he began to visit and care for him regularly. When he learned of the impending slaughter date, he spontaneously decided to buy Ferdinand’s freedom. For 200 euros, Ferdinand changed owners – but that was just the beginning of his odyssey.
A Stopover with Obstacles
Since Rainer had to return to Germany and had no experience with pigs, he desperately searched for a safe place for Ferdinand. After many unsuccessful inquiries at animal shelters and sanctuaries in Mallorca, a German animal welfare activist finally agreed to take Ferdinand in. But even here, luck was short-lived: there was a lack of suitable accommodation, and soon it became clear that she too planned to have Ferdinand slaughtered if no long-term solution could be found.
Fresopolis – A New Home for Ferdinand
Thanks to dedicated animal lovers and the support of many friends of animals, contact was finally made with Fresopolis. Here, Ferdinand finally found the species-appropriate, loving home he deserves. In his new enclosure with his own little house, Ferdinand is visibly comfortable. He enjoys the company of our other animals and the attention of visitors, who have quickly taken him to their hearts.
A Symbol of Hope and Animal Welfare
Ferdinand’s story shows how important it is to give a voice to animals in need and to offer them a second chance. At Fresopolis, we work every day to give animals like Ferdinand a happy, species-appropriate life. Our visitors experience firsthand how much joy and gratitude our protégés have.
Visit Ferdinand at Fresopolis
If you’d like to meet Ferdinand in person, you’re warmly invited to visit our adventure farm. During our guided tours and animal encounters, Ferdinand is a real highlight – and a living example of how valuable animal welfare is.
Ferdinand is now living the good life – and we are proud to welcome him as part of our big Fresopolis family!
Support our animal rescue projects with an animal sponsorship or supporting membership and help us give even more animals like Ferdinand a new life!
Author: Francesco del Orbe
