Esther the Wonder Pig: A Beacon of Love and Compassion
Esther explaining to me that she’s supposed to get at least 1 cupcake every hour!
In early 2014, I had the extraordinary privilege of meeting Esther, a remarkable pig who, along with her dad, Steve, would go on to both become not only close friends, but an inspiration that forever changed my life. Esther, affectionately known as "Esther the Wonder Pig," was no ordinary pig. She was a force of nature, smart, charismatic, and she knew exactly what she wanted - and she made sure we all knew it too, one cupcake at a time!
Esther the Wonder Pig: D.O.B. July 1, 2012 - D.O.D. October 18, 2023
Esther and I on our first play-date.
For millions of people worldwide, Esther was not just a pig; she was a beacon of hope, a symbol of unconditional love, and a testament to the remarkable potential of all beings. With countless followers in countless countries, her infectious personality transcended culture and language, warming hearts and brightening lives every single day. Esther was not just a pig; she was a global sensation. I vividly recall the day when Steve made that life-changing phone call, asking me to join the founding board of directors to establish a sanctuary in Esther's name, a sanctuary that would showcase the incredible qualities of all animals, just as Esther had shown us. It was a moment of profound honor, and I was humbled to serve as the president for six remarkable years. Our journey was nothing short of incredible, and the pinnacle of it all was when we acquired the Esther Scanner, a revolutionary tool that provided life-saving diagnostic capabilities for all animals of her size. And it was a further honour to be by her side when she received her scan at the Ontario Veterinary Hospital, leading to diagnosis and later cure for breast cancer - something that Esther and I also shared. Esther's legacy lived on, not only in our hearts but in the tangible, life-changing impact we could make for animals everywhere. It was an extraordinary journey, one that Esther herself would undoubtedly have been proud of.
She taught us more than we could have ever imagined.
Esther was a powerful ambassador for her kind, showing the world that pigs are not just intelligent and social beings but also deeply deserving of love and respect. Through her journey, we learned that the same could be said for cows, chickens, turkeys, goats, and all animals subjected to the horrors of factory farming.
A few of the other residents at Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary.
What truly set Esther apart, though, was her ability to inspire kindness and a vegan lifestyle. She became an icon of compassion, proving that one individual - with a whole lot of heart - can and does change the world. Her story touched souls in ways that can only be described as magical. People discovered the joy of veganism through her, and her advocacy reached corners of the globe that many could only dream of.
Esther was, and still is, the embodiment of the power of love. Her legacy is not just one of joy and happiness but a reminder of the transformative potential of compassion. She changed minds, she opened hearts, and she fostered a community of kindness and understanding.
In Esther's honor, I wrote a chapter titled "The Power of Love to Transform Animal Lives: The Deception of Animal Qualification" in the book "The Good It Promises, the Harm It Does: Critical Essays on Effective Altruism" It is a testament to the extraordinary influence she had on so many lives and the ongoing journey to create a more compassionate world for all beings.
As we remember Esther the Wonder Pig, let her life be a shining example of the difference one act of kindness can make in this world. Her legacy lives on in our hearts, a constant reminder that we each possess the power to change the world, one small act of love at a time. Esther, you will forever be cherished, and your impact on this world will never be forgotten.
Thank you Esther, for being my friend, and for showing us all the boundless potential of love and compassion.
Please remember, every pig is a Wonder Pig, and every animal is a Wonder.
Krista is the Executive Director of For The Greater Good where she consults with animal protection organizations on matters of organizational development, strategic planning, and board governance. Krista serves on several boards including One Protest, The Rancher Advocacy Program, Egg-Truth, and Dairy-Truth. Krista previously served as the VP of Mercy For Animals in Canada, and the President of the Board for Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary.
Krista holds a doctorate in social sciences where her research focused on the employment experiences of animal rights activists in Canada and the United States. She also holds five additional degrees in human resources, including a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership. Krista is Associate Faculty for her alma matter, Royal Roads University, is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Critical Animal Studies, and an Animals & Society Research Initiative Scholar.
Formerly, Krista founded a boutique employment and labour law firm in Toronto, and before that she spent fifteen years in HR including as the vice president of HR for one of the largest software companies in the world.