Cross-Border Miniature Pig Partnership Births Adorable Piglets
In a heartwarming twist on post-Brexit headlines, two miniature pig farms have joined forces to birth a groundbreaking partnership with tiny trotters and a big vision. Burren Nature Sanctuary in Kinvara, Co. Galway and Kew Little Pigs Farm in Buckinghamshire have overcome international red tape to celebrate the arrival of not one, but two litters of micro pigs.
This 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. Both farms are passionate about animal welfare and are dedicated to breeding miniature pigs responsibly and ethically.
“We wanted to prove that borders don’t have to be barriers when it comes to best practice and animal welfare,” said Olivia Mikhail, owner of Kew Little Pigs Farm. “This partnership is all about love for the animals, and ensuring that future pet pigs across Europe are bred responsibly and ethically.”
The piglets, born to proud mums Freya and Flora, mark the first milestone in this ambitious cross-border breeding program. Between them, the pair produced 13 bundles of joy, all healthy and happily snuffling in their new Irish home. This partnership not only boosts the biodiversity mission of the Burren sanctuary, but also makes miniature pigs more accessible to families across Europe.
But launching a bi-national pig breeding program post-Brexit was no small feat. It took over a year of training, paperwork, and coordination before Freya, Apollo, and Jupiter 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.
“We’re not just selling pet pigs—we’re creating a network of educated, caring owners,” said Mary Bermingham of Burren Nature Sanctuary. “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 in Old Amersham to a Europe-wide pig parenting partnership began with a little girl named Eva and her love for pigs in children’s books.
To find out more about this heartwarming partnership and the adorable piglets, visit www.kewlittlepigs.com.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.