Zhu Jianqiang: China Mourns Death of Famous Pig that Survived the 7.9 Magnitude Quake in 2008

A pig that became popular in China after surviving 36 days under rubble from an intense earthquake in 2008, has died.

The Death of Zhu Jianqiang

On Wednesday night of "old age and exhaustion" Zhu Jianqiang, or "Strong-Willed Pig," passed on, according to the museum in China's Sichuan province where the animal lived. At the time of its rescue, it was recognized as a symbol of resilience and hope.

A lot of people have taken to social media site Weibo to remember Zhu Jianqiang and pay tribute to its long life. The Sichuan Museum of Jianchuan said the pig had passed on at the age of 14.

The 7.9 magnitude quake in Sichuan in 2008 left almost 90,000 people dead or lost. After the earthquake took place, the pig was stuck under rubble and survived on a charcoal and rainwater.

Social Media Users Pays Their Respect on Weibo

Rescuers said the pig was so emaciated it resembled a goat by the time they pulled it free. It is said to have passed through severe trauma from being trapped. A museum in the city of Chengdu bought the pig and it was put on display as a tourist attraction. Earlier this year, the museum warned that the animal did not have long left.

Scientists cloned the pig in 2011, producing six piglets that appeared to have an obvious resemblance to their dad - with a birthmark between their eyes. After news of Zhu Jianqiang's death, people took to social website to pay their respects.

On Weibo, the hashtag "Strong-Willed Pig has died" has had 430 million views. One user wrote: "Thank you for interpreting the greatness of life with your own strength." Another said: "RIP you are the miracle of life and the symbol of strength."

Zhu Jianqiang

Zhu Jianqiang that survived 36 days stuck in the rubble of May's great Sichuan earthquake was voted China's favorite animal, the state media said the attention made the pig lazy, fat, and bad-tempered.

The hog, was stuck in a sty after the 7.9 magnitude quake, and was bought by a local businessman who was moved by its unpleasant experience and named it "Zhu Jianqiang," or "Strong Pig."

It survived by feeding on charcoal and drinking rainwater. The weekend edition of the China Daily said the pig was voted the highest of an online poll of animals "who moved China the year it was rescued."

Other top animals included a dog that looked after its elderly owner when he was sick and escorted him to hospital, and a cat that nearly died of grief when its partner was killed by a car. The pig "strongly depicted" the spirit of never giving up.

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