Two miniature pig farms have created a heartwarming Brexit-busting partnership that recently celebrated the birth of 13 adorable micro pig babies at Burren Nature Sanctuary in County Galway, Ireland. The groundbreaking collaboration between Kew Little Pigs Farm in Buckinghamshire and Burren Nature Sanctuary represents the first successful pig crossing from the UK to Ireland since Brexit, proving that borders don’t have to be barriers when it comes to animal welfare. Olivia Mikhail from Kew Little Pigs Farm and Mary Bermingham from Burren Nature Sanctuary spent over a year navigating training, paperwork, and coordination to make their vision a reality. When Freya, Apollo, and Jupiter finally made their journey across the Irish Sea, customs officers confirmed they were making porcine history as the first pigs to legally cross from the UK into Ireland post-Brexit.
The partnership began with a shared passion for ethical breeding and animal welfare, with Mary’s love for pigs starting eight years ago when she rescued a Juliana pig named Amelia who “changed everything.” Now the two litters from proud mums Freya and Flora are thriving in their Irish home, already drawing fans during woodland pig-walks at the popular eco-destination. The collaboration ensures that future pet pigs across Europe are bred responsibly, with rigorous owner checks and training required before any adoptions. This pioneering partnership not only boosts biodiversity at the Burren sanctuary but also creates a network of educated, caring owners who understand both the joy and commitment these intelligent, affectionate animals bring.