The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is saddened to announce the death of Bella, the Ossabaw Island hog.
Bella, age 17, was humanely euthanized at the Zoo Thursday after her health declined over the past few weeks.
“Bella took up residence in the Farmyard as a piglet, and touched many people, staff and visitors alike, with her engaging personality over the years,” said Erin Cantwell, mammal collection and conservation manager in a statement.
“Bella was an exceptional ambassador for her species and will be greatly missed.”
Ossabaw Island hogs are a uniquely American feral breed of pig native to Ossabaw Island, off the coast of Georgia, near Savannah. They are descended from domestic pigs brought over by explorers that either escaped or were set free intentionally on the island and are especially tolerant of heat, humidity, and seasonal scarcity of food.
At this time there is no plan to replace Bella with another Ossabaw Island hog in the Farmyard.
