A logo for Northcote Heavy Horses & Animals featuring silhouettes of a horse, cow, pig, goat, and sheep, along with the text Providing a loving home to animals big and small.
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A circular Animals Logo for Northcote Heavy Horses features silhouettes of various animals on a yellow background, with the text “Providing a loving home to animals big and small” round the edge.

A Heartfelt Goodbye To Onion, The Pig

A large pink pig, Onion the Pig, stands in a muddy puddle on grassy ground, its snout close to the water. A fence and trees are seen in the background under daylight—a heartfelt farewell to Onion.

Today, 19th February 2026, we said goodbye to our much-loved kune kune cross pig, Onion.

Onion had been bravely battling an unknown condition for some time, which caused weight loss and increasing instability. With guidance from our vets, it was decided that the kindest and most compassionate choice was to let her go peacefully.

Onion came to the centre in late 2018 alongside her sister, Sage, and the two of them quickly became such an important part of life here. They were often the very first animals visitors would meet — always waiting by the gate of their enclosure, never letting anyone walk past without saying hello (and, of course, a snack!).

Onion also shared her home with Bimi, and the three of them could often be found snuggled together in the cosiest little piggy pile.

Pigs are so often misunderstood as simply livestock, but Onion reminded us every day that they are deeply intelligent, affectionate animals with huge personalities and so much love to give.

She will be missed more than words can say — not only by all of us here, but also by Sage and Bimi, who have lost their dear companion.

Rest peacefully, sweet Onion.

Thank you, from all of our volunteers.

Two pigs, one pink and one black, stand with their front legs on a corrugated metal fence, looking curiously at the camera—as if they’re saying goodbye. A wooden fence and trees are visible in the background.
A young, light pink piglet named Onion the Pig stands on a concrete surface outside, with muddy hooves. A wooden fence and some green grass are visible in the background in this heartfelt farewell scene.
Onion the pig, with muddy legs, stands on grass near a puddle in a fenced outdoor area, trees and a gate in the background—a peaceful scene of pig life before a heartfelt farewell.
Two piglets, one pink—perhaps Onion the Pig—and one black, stand on muddy ground near a partly eaten pumpkin. The pink piglet faces the camera with its mouth open, as if to say a heartfelt farewell, whilst the black one looks at the pumpkin.
Two pigs, one black and one light pink, stand close together on muddy ground sharing food scraps, their faces pressed together as they eat—a scene reminiscent of a heartfelt goodbye to Onion the pig.
Two pigs, including Onion the Pig, one light pink and one black, stand side by side eating from a white tray on the ground. Both have food around their snouts as they share a heartfelt moment outdoors on a paved surface.
Three pigs stand on a paved area eating a pile of assorted vegetables and fruit scraps in the sunlight, next to a corrugated metal wall. One pig, Onion the pig, looks directly at the camera—a heartfelt farewell moment.
Two pigs, one pink and one black, lean over the edge of a metal enclosure, looking towards the camera as if sharing a heartfelt goodbye. A wooden gate and a brick wall are visible in the background.
Two pigs, one black and one pink, are lying close together on a brown floor, their heads resting on a bright pink cloth—a tender moment as they share a heartfelt goodbye to Onion the pig.

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