Wilbur, the potbelly pig that became a mascot for the Weeki Wachee River Community, has gone home with his owners, according to the Hernando County Animal Services.
The approximately 60-pound pig had been roaming the woods near the Weeki Wachee River for about two weeks. In that time, the very friendly animal greeted people going up the river.
“People stop and pet it, scratch its back, feed it, play with it,” said Max Harding. “ The locals call it Wilbur.”
On her recent visit to Weeki Wachee, retired Polk County deputy Monika Kater got to spend some time on the river with Wilbur and took lots of photos of him.
“He was a great little adorable model. I’m so happy he’s getting all this attention, he deserves it. And he loves pineapples,” said Kater.
On May 13, Wilbur wandered onto private property whose owner called Hernando County Animal Control to have him relocated to the County’s animal shelter.
Afterward, the Weeki Wachee River Facebook page exploded with postings about Wilbur’s wellbeing and with offers to adopt him.
On May 18, Wilbur’s owners arrived at the County Animal Shelter to claim the animal, said Lonora Smith, customer service technician for Hernando County Animal Services.
“They produced pictures that they were the owners,” Smith said. “And because they were his owners, they did not have to wait the 10-day (livestock hold) period.”
According to Smith, Wilbur became lost after recent severe storms passed through the area and destroyed fences around his pen.
“The family lost three pigs during those storms,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, the woman who was all set to adopt Wilbur will be bringing home another pig instead.
“At least another deserving one will be adopted,” said Anjika Pita. “I guess I will name her Charlotte.”
