Pigs are known to be one of the most intelligent species outside the primate family. They can learn their own name, play 'fetch' and reciprocate affection just like the family dog!

Like all mothers, mother pigs form strong bonds with their babies and will go to great lengths to protect a loved one. Mother pigs have even been known to 'sing' to their piglets.

Like humans, pigs see in colour. Like us, they dream. And memory studies have shown that they even enjoy playing computer games!

When not locked in factory farms, pigs love to relax in the sun. They are very social animals and will often sleep nose to nose with their closest friends.

Pigs are actually very clean animals! In a natural setting they build communal nests, and like to use a toilet area away from their sleeping area. Pigs can't sweat, so on hot days, they will take a mud bath to stay cool.

"If any kid realized what was involved in factory farming, they would never touch meat again. I was so moved by the intelligence, sense of fun, and personality of the animals I worked with on Babe that by the end of the film I was a vegetarian." —James Cromwell ('Farmer Hoggett', Babe)

Dispite their ability to suffer and feel pain, pigs and other farmed animals have been excluded from laws that protect dogs and cats from cruelty. As a result, most pigs suffer routine cruelty in factory farms — but you can help end their suffering by 'pardoning a pig'!