Wilma

Sponsored by
Michelle, in memory of Jennifer,
Rebecca Gerbig,
Kyla Ash

Wilma is a sassy and adventurous pig who loves to spend her time exploring every inch of the pig portion of the sanctuary. Wilma’s life did not begin with that kind of freedom, however.

At just a few weeks old, Wilma was found, frostbitten and scared, on the side of the interstate near Waterloo, Iowa in the dead of winter. Wilma was not alone, but sadly, she was the sole survivor—several deceased piglets were found alongside her. Wilma took a beating when she fell, or leaped, from a transportation truck onto the frozen concrete and was covered in road rash as a result. We don’t know how long Wilma waited on the roadside to be rescued, but we know it was long enough for her ears to sustain severe frostbite.

Wilma was not expected to pull through, but her will to live was strong and she slowly found an appetite, which fueled her tiny body to heal. Due to the frostbite, she lost the majority of her exterior ears, leaving her with an exceptionally unique look.

When Wilma arrived at the sanctuary, she was well on her way to a full recovery, and it did not take her long to reveal her bubbly personality. Wilma knows how to make her wants and needs known, and she is very communicative—barking like a dog when she wants to be heard! She loves to wander and play with her best friend, Jax. Wilma is a glowing reminder that we can still choose joy in the wake of great suffering.