The Current

Anna Maria Tremonti's most memorable interviews: Esther the Wonder Pig

As her time at The Current comes to a close, Anna Maria Tremonti looks back at some of the most memorable conversations from her 17 years as the show’s host.

Esther, originally thought to be a micro-pig, instead grew to 650 pounds and stole hearts across the country

Esther entered the lives of Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter as a presumed micro-pig. But then she didn't stop growing — and it changed their lives forever.

Read Story Transcript

"Accidental activists" Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter quit their jobs, stopped eating meat and bought a farm thanks to one special pig.

The couple brought the pig into their homes in 2012 when she was a baby, with the understanding that she wouldn't grow to be much bigger. But then she did — roughly 650 pounds bigger.

By that point, though, Jenkins and Walter were in too deep, having fallen in love with the pig and her larger-than-life personality. 

"She's so clever, so sensitive, and funny! She makes me laugh on a daily basis," said Jenkins. 

Back in 2016, The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti visited the home and farm sanctuary in Campbellville, Ont., and sat down with the couple to discuss life with Esther.

Meet Esther the Wonder Pig

9 years ago
Duration 1:03
Meet Esther the Wonder Pig

The pig and her online persona have garnered a celebrity-level following on social media, stealing the hearts of Canadians across the country — including Tremonti.

"It went straight to my heart," she declared.

"One of my favourite moments on The Current."

Click 'listen' near the top of this page to hear the full conversation.


Produced by Ines Colabrese and Elizabeth Hoath.