THE EXUMAS, Bahamas - The
Bahamas is the 'Official Home of the Swimming Pigs'. Visitors to the
islands are happily embracing the unique and special experience of
swimming with the pigs on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay, which
is home to these special creatures and affectionately called "Pig
Beach". The swimming pigs join the vast selection of aquatic activities
already popular with visitors to The Bahamas, from snorkelling with
tropical fish and sea turtles to shark and eel sightings to scuba
diving.
The family of pigs, dubbed 'adorable' by tourists, locals
and media alike, have become incredibly popular. They live freely on the
sandy beaches, and after basking in the sun for hours, they swim in the
surf. The pigs, though feral, are exceptionally friendly, running from
under the shade of the almond trees to greet visitors that bring them
treats. They are also fed by the crews of passing yachts and vessels.
The swimming pigs are truly a sight to behold and have become so popular
that they have inspired a children's book, "The Secret of Pig's
Island," by Jennifer R. Nolan, and a song by children's author Sandra
Boynton.
It is unknown how the pigs originally came to live on
Big Major Cay, as they aren't native and the island itself is
uninhabited. Popular lore suggests that the pigs were dropped off by a
group of sailors who wanted to come back and cook them, or that there
was a nearby shipwreck and the pigs swam to safety. However it was that
they came to be, there are now approximately 20 pigs and piglets
surviving easily on Big Major Cay, partly because the island is blessed
with three freshwater springs, and partly due to the generosity of
visiting Bahamians and tourists.
The Director General of The
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, has concluded that, "As a
destination that is world-renowned for welcoming visitors and providing
them with the most beautiful beaches, lavish hotels and resorts, and
fine dining, and for being a dream destination, the Islands of The
Bahamas are very proud to be the Official Home of the Swimming Pigs.
Providing visitors with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of interacting
with these wonderful animals is just one more thing that distinguishes
The Bahamas. We've already introduced thousands of visitors to 'Pig
Beach', and we look forward to welcoming thousands more in the years to
come. These animals are now as much a Bahamian experience as any other
that visitors may discover while visiting The Bahamas."