»Zhu Jianqiang« (2018): The pig was celebrated like a national hero
Photo: JOHANNES EISELE / AFP
China mourns the loss of a legendary pig that survived the devastating earthquake in Sichuan in 2008 for 36 days under rubble.
Since then, the boar has been celebrated like a national hero.
At the old pig age of 13 years, the animal died of "old age and exhaustion," as the museum in Anren in Dayi County, southwest of Chengdu in Sichuan Province, announced.
The animal lived there as a tourist attraction.
It was called "Zhu Jianqiang," translated as "strong-willed pig," because its will to survive had aroused admiration.
It was celebrated as a "miracle of life and a symbol of strength".
More than 80,000 people were killed in the 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Wenchuan.
Buried under rubble, the pig survived only on rainwater and charcoal - and in the end was completely emaciated.
Back then, the museum bought the pig for around 3,000 yuan, which is the equivalent of 390 euros today.
In 2011, Chinese researchers announced that they had cloned six piglets with the genetic material of "Zhu Jianqiang".
The head of the cloning project, Du Yatao, said at the time that the "wonderful pig" had "surprised us all again."
Bad health condition
Compared to humans, the pig has turned 100 years old, the museum has now reported.
Most recently, his health was poor.
Zhu Jianqiang survived the 13th anniversary of the earthquake on May 12th.
It would have been 14 years old in October.
According to "Hongxing Xinwen" (Red Star News), the animal has been put on hold for the time being.
What should happen to him is apparently still unclear.
wit / dpa / AFP
