Clever Pigs!

Are they really clever?

According to Interesting Facts, Pigs’ intelligence hasn’t been studied as thoroughly as that of primates, rodents, and birds, but analyses suggest that their performance on some psychological tests is on par with dolphins.

A 2009 study found that seven out of eight pigs could process reflections of objects in a mirror and use the information to find food hidden behind a wall. Pigs can discern objects based on different characteristics and remember their choices over time, which demonstrates long-term memory. They can also prioritize which memories are important, like how to access desired food when presented with different options.

Anecdotally, pigs have appeared to show empathy  for humans, such as when naturalist Sy Montgomery’s normally active 750-pound porker, Christopher Hogwood, became quiet and docile while Montgomery grieved the loss of loved ones.

They are quite adorable, don’t you agree?

Happy Mothers’ Day to all those mothers, step-mothers, faux mothers, second mothers, grand mothers ~ every kind of mother for Sunday!