Animal sanctuary Heartwood Haven has successfully liberated ten pigs from a biomedical laboratory in Colorado. The pigs, approximately two years old, had been subjected to medical testing.
A Second Chance for the Pigs
Heartwood Haven's co-founder, Kate Tsyrklevich, emphasized the sanctuary's belief in the value of every life. The rescued pigs will now have the chance to experience kindness and compassion after enduring a challenging past.
Pigs in Medical Research
The biomedical facility utilized Göttingen "minipigs," a breed weighing around 75 pounds when fully grown. Minipigs play a crucial role in medical research due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. Researchers employ them in studies related to pharmacology, diabetes, and various medical fields.
Unknown Testing and Distressing Scars
Details of the specific tests conducted on the pigs remain unknown. However, Tsyrklevich highlighted the distressing physical indicators observed on the pigs, including matching scars, shaved backs, burn scars, and notched ears—a common practice in industrial farming.
The Veil of Secrecy in Animal Testing
The use of animals in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, academic, and military research globally involves more than 115 million animals annually. However, the secretive nature of these experiments leaves the public uninformed about the conditions and procedures animals endure.
Questioning Effectiveness of Animal Testing
Many question the effectiveness of animal testing, especially in pharmaceuticals, where approximately 90 percent of drugs that show promise in animal tests later fail in human trials.
Sanctuary Life for Rescued Pigs
Transition to Normalcy at Heartwood Haven
The rescued pigs, previously confined and unfamiliar with outdoor environments or contact with other pigs, now reside peacefully at Heartwood Haven. Tsyrklevich noted that it took them about a week to adjust to life with other pigs and to relax in their new surroundings.
Normalizing Pig Behavior
Heartwood Haven provides a haven for the pigs to express normal behaviors such as cuddling, exploring their habitat, and engaging in friendly arguments with their fellow pig neighbors.
Recovery and Mission of Heartwood Haven
Upon arrival, the pigs received the sanctuary's best medical care, nutrition, and an abundance of love. Tsyrklevich highlighted the common response of rescued animals, sleeping for about a week straight due to the stress they experienced before arriving at the sanctuary.
A Sanctuary for Voiceless Creatures
Heartwood Haven's mission revolves around being a sanctuary for those who cannot speak for themselves. Through their work, they offer a second chance at a fulfilling life for animals rescued from factory farms and research facilities.
