Runaway Pig Goes Viral in West Hollywood and Ends Up In a Malibu Dream

by PetGuide Staff

Published: August 24th, 2026

(photo credit: Wildlife Studio/shutterstock.com)

The pig, quickly nicknamed Wilbur as a nod to the famed Charlotte's Web character, caught the attention of drivers and residents as he wandered through the famous neighborhood. And it was footage of his impromptur walkabout that spread fast across social media. Nobody knew where he had come from, but everyone wanted to know where he would go next. For a while, the answer was simple: the West L.A. Animal Shelter, where staff held out hope that his original family would step forward to claim him.

But no one ever did. And that's where this fun little ditty takes a detour. You see, what arrived instead of an owner, was an outpouring of interest from people who had seen the viral clips. The shelter narrowed potential adopters to just four and then decided to hold a silent auction to help decide who would ultimately take the little piggy home. And in true Hollywood fashion, one of those bidding was doing so at the request of a very famous woman. One who had a whoppping 17 Oscar nominations to her name.

A Songwriter Who Saw the News and Made a Call

Yes, it seems that Marcia Zwilling, managing director of the Diane Warren Foundation spotted the news footage of Wilbur and immediately wanted to help. According to Zwilling, Warren contacted her and said "Get me the pig!". Well, maybe not those exact words, but the message was received loud and clear.

Now, as a backdrop to Wilbur's famous pursuer, Warren's hit-making history includes some of the most recognizable songs in modern music, including Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me," Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time," and the Aerosmith classic "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."

After winning the auction, she knew that Wilbur's days of pounding the pavement were officially over. And his new digs could hardly be more different from those busy streets where he was first spotted.

Gourmet Salads and a Whole New Crew

You see, the pint-sized pig will now live at Warren's Malibu sanctuary, Mousebutt Rescue Ranch, a name that honors the songwriter's late cat, Mouse, and a parrot she called Buttwings. According to rep Zwilling, the pig can now look forward to gourmet salads and a comfortable life among the many animals and people devoted to his care.

Talking animals, Wilbur is going to have lots of four-legged buddies to keep him company. The seven-acre property is home to cats, goats, horses, chickens, donkeys, and other rescued animals... including another pig who shares the same name - Wilbur. Recognizing the duplication, Warren will be considering a new name for this latest arrival. And methinks the creative side of this piggy's new owner won't be challenged for fresh ideas.

After meeting her new addition, Warren said she not only admired the pig but wondered what he had been up to prior to running loose through the streets of tinsel town. We do too, Diane. We do too.

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