Brookfield in hog heaven for National Pig Day

The dog days of August are no match for National Pig Day this March.

That's why Brookfield Zoo is encouraging children of all ages to cheer on domestic pigs Harley, Georgia and Penelope Saturday to watch tricks, join a parade and learn a thing or two.

Patty Anderson, lead zookeeper of the Children's Zoo, believes pigs get a bad rap.

"There's a lot of things people don't know about pigs. They're very intelligent animals," she said. "People consider them dirty but they're very clean animals and keep their sleeping area clean. The reason they roll in mud is because it helps them cool down and acts as a sunscreen."

Hog heaven starts at 1 p.m. when mom, Penelope, and her piglets Harley, 18 months, and Georgia, 6 months will perform.

That's followed, of course, by a chorus of "Happy Pig Day," and gifts of carrots. A parade comes next, then kids' activities at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Folks singers will perform at 2 p.m.

The fact Harley and Georgia are technically toddlers, doesn't mean they'd fit in a child's seat, Anderson notes.

A female pig is pregnant for less than four months. When her young are born, they usually weigh 3 to 4 pounds. But by age 1, most piglets weigh close to 400 pounds. Harley is almost a strapping 700 pounds and Georgia is big for a baby at 250 pounds.

"People ask where the piglets are and there's a 75-pound animal," Anderson said.

National Pig Day was started in 1972 by sisters Ellen Stanley and Marry Lynne Rave. It's meant as a chance to give the species a little respect and appreciation.

"Pigs are considered one of the smartest of the farmyard animals. They learn a lot of the same behaviors that dogs do and sometimes pick things up faster," Anderson said. "They have an amazing sense of smell and are very easy to train."

The trio at Brookfield will be showing off their expertise at finding buried treasures in the snow.

Asked about the family's traits, Anderson explained, "Penelope is a fairly laid-back pig - she's a mom. Harley is great - he's very playful but you have to be careful because that's 700 pounds of playful. Georgia is a pretty relaxed pig."

Brookfield organizers are hoping for a good turnout.

"It's all about learning and giving people the chance to learn about animals and form whatever opinion they want to form," she said.

In the suburbs, "people don't tend to see animals very often or up close," Anderson said. "This gives everyone a chance to learn what they eat, what they smell like and what they do."

As an experienced zookeeper, Anderson has worked with everything from polar bears to wolves to pigs.

"It's all about getting to know your animals and what is best for them," she said. "I enjoy taking care of tigers or gorillas as much I enjoy taking care of a pig or a llama."