Maui Pig Sanctuary needs donations, volunteers after storm damage

MAKAWAO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Every pig at the Maui Pig Sanctuary has a name and a story – and Jillian Vickers knows them all.

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Vickers founded the nonprofit three weeks before the 2023 Lahaina fires. She rescued 45 pigs from the disaster. She now has a total of 105 pigs at two properties.

The sanctuary is the only one on Maui and the largest in the state, and she is struggling to stay afloat.

“We thought we were recovered from the fires, or we were recovered from the fires, and then all this wet weather hit,” Vickers said. “It’s just been challenging for them.”

In March, Kona lows flooded the Makawao property.

Hurricanes Lala and Lowell caused additional damage afterward.

Money and volunteers are desperately needed to make repairs.

“We need funding to rebuild. We need to build new houses. We need to tear a few down and redo it after the storms,” said Vickers.

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Sanctuary also offers tours, therapy visits

Vickers said the sanctuary isn’t just a safe haven for the swines. They also offer public tours and therapy for anyone who needs it.

“At the end of tours, people keep telling me that, and it happens almost every tour, it’s the best thing they’ve done on Maui,” she said. “To me, the pigs are that special, so I understand it. But when somebody else gets that from them too, it’s amazing to me and I love that.”

Vickers is calling on her community to help her fix her “hog heaven.”

“They are well loved and well looked after, and we have big hopes moving forward for the sanctuary.”

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Those interested in helping can click here.