Maui's Only Pig Sanctuary Seeks Help After Storm Damage

Every pig living at the Maui Pig Sanctuary has a name, a story, and someone who knows them by heart.

Jillian Vickers founded the nonprofit just three weeks before the devastating 2023 Lahaina fires. When disaster struck, she rescued 45 pigs from the flames and gave them a safe home.

Today, her sanctuary shelters 105 pigs across two Maui properties. It's the only pig sanctuary on the island and the largest in Hawaii.

But nature keeps testing Vickers' mission. Just when the sanctuary recovered from fire damage, Kona lows flooded the Makawao property in March. Hurricanes Lala and Lowell followed, battering the already stressed facilities.

"We thought we were recovered from the fires, and then all this wet weather hit," Vickers said. The storms damaged pig houses beyond repair, and some structures need complete rebuilding.

The sanctuary does more than provide shelter. Vickers opens the property for public tours and therapy visits, creating a healing space for both pigs and people.

Sunny's Take

Visitors keep telling Vickers the same thing after tours: meeting the pigs was the highlight of their entire Maui vacation. She hears it almost every time.

"To me, the pigs are that special, so I understand it," Vickers said. "But when somebody else gets that from them too, it's amazing to me and I love that."

Each pig's personality shines through during visits. These aren't just rescued animals. They're therapy providers, joy bringers, and living reminders that second chances matter.

Now Vickers is asking her community to help rebuild what storms destroyed. The sanctuary needs funding for new houses and volunteers to assist with repairs and daily care.

"They are well loved and well looked after, and we have big hopes moving forward for the sanctuary," she said.

People interested in helping can donate through the sanctuary's website, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle, or reach out via email at mauipigsanctuary@gmail.com to volunteer. Sometimes the best therapy is knowing you helped create a place where healing happens.