In September of 2023, we heard of a pig running near Taughannock State Park, just 10 miles north of Ithaca in Upstate NY. It was there that kind humans discovered a tiny and vulnerable piglet, wandering alone. Thankfully, a park worker took the little piglet under his wing and welcomed her into his family's home temporarily until they were able to find her a forever home.

*Shelter Director, Hervé, greeting Sylvia.*

Farm Sanctuary, another great animal sanctuary, got wind of the situation and reached out to us. They knew we had the space and would be able to provide her with the care and love she deserved. That was when this piglet’s journey to Woodstock Sanctuary officially began. Farm Sanctuary, took on the role of transporting her safely here where we all officially met this little piglet for the very first time. We lovingly named her Sylvia after trans rights activist, Sylvia Rivera.

*Sylvia upon arriving at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.*

At just 4-5 weeks old, Sylvia was a tiny individual who had so much to learn about the world, and we couldn’t be happier having her learn it all in sanctuary. It's likely that little Sylvia was destined for a farm, where she would’ve been raised for her flesh. Whether she fell from or managed to escape a transportation truck, we may never know for sure. All we know is that we're excited to see her grow and thrive in an environment where she will never be seen as a commodity but as the unique and precious individual she is. Welcome home, Sylvia.