“Brexit-busting” Miniature Pig Partnership Celebrates First Litters in Ireland
In a heartwarming twist on post-Brexit headlines, two miniature pig farms have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership. Burren Nature Sanctuary in Kinvara, Co. Galway and Kew Little Pigs Farm in Old Amersham, UK have successfully navigated international red tape to bring their love for miniature pigs across borders.
This month, Burren Nature Sanctuary proudly welcomed two litters of micro pigs, born to proud moms, Freya and Flora. Between them, the pair produced 13 bundles of joy, all healthy and happily snuffling in their new Irish home.
The collaboration, spearheaded by Olivia Mikhail of Kew Little Pigs Farm and Mary Bermingham of Burren Nature Sanctuary, is being hailed as a Brexit-busting beacon of animal welfare, innovation, and international cooperation.
“We wanted to prove that borders don’t have to be barriers when it comes to best practice and animal welfare,” said Olivia Mikhail. “This partnership is all about love for the animals, and ensuring that future pet pigs across Europe are bred responsibly and ethically.”
Burren Nature Sanctuary, an eco-destination that blends conservation with animal encounters, first discovered its porcine passion eight years ago after rescuing a Juliana pig named Amelia. “She changed everything,” said Mary Bermingham. “I fell head over heels. When the chance came to work with Olivia and bring this level of welfare and knowledge to Ireland, I didn’t think twice.”
Launching a bi-national pig breeding programme post-Brexit was no small feat. It took over a year of training, paperwork, and coordination before the pigs made their journey across the Irish Sea. When they arrived at the border, customs officers confirmed they were the first pigs to legally cross from the UK into Ireland since Brexit – a little squeaky moment of porcine history.
The result? A pioneering partnership that not only boosts the biodiversity mission of the Burren sanctuary, but also makes miniature pigs more accessible to families across Europe. Crucially, these pint-sized pets won’t be sold without rigorous owner checks and training, ensuring their welfare remains top priority.
“We’re not just selling pet pigs – we’re creating a network of educated, caring owners,” added Mary. “We want people to experience how intelligent and affectionate these animals are, but also to understand the commitment involved. This isn’t just cute – this is care.”
The piglets are already drawing fans during woodland pig-walks and nature experiences at the Burren sanctuary, a popular eco-destination that blends conservation with animal encounters. As for Kew Little Pigs, the journey from Olivia’s back garden to a Europe-wide pig parenting partnership began with a little girl named Eva and her obsession with Charlotte’s Web and Babe.
“This all started because of her love for pigs,” Olivia added. “Now look at us – changing the game, one tiny snout at a time.”
To learn more about this unique partnership and these adorable miniature pigs, visit www.kewlittlepigs.com.
