Photo: Weibo account of Sichuan Museum of Jianchuan

The 14-year-old pig, a survivor of the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and regarded as a miracle of life, is near its last days, said the local museum which has been taking care of it since the disaster. Chinese netizens sent blessings to the pig, hoping it can live longer or at least survive the 13th anniversary of the earthquake on May 12.

"This legendary pig lived for 36 days trapped under debris after the magnitude 8 earthquake hit Wenchuan, Southwest China's Sichuan Province," read the post on the official Weibo account by Sichuan Museum of Jianchuan on Monday afternoon. "The pig has been being taken care of in the museum since 2008," it noted.

Named Zhu Jianqiang, which means strong-willed pig in Chinese, the animal became a public figure after it lived off charcoal and rainwater for over a month before it was rescued. 

The museum announced in the post that Zhu Jianqiang is not only a pig but a miracle of life and a symbol of strength.

The devastating earthquake hit the small county on May 12, 2008 and caused around 69,181 deaths, according to a report published by the Chinese government in 2008.

The earthquake left more than 18,000 people missing, according to the report.

Netizens send their blessings and good wishes to the pig hoping it can survive the 13th anniversary of the earthquake.

"I've been to the museum twice and saw the pig. I was touched by the tour guide's remarks sharing the pig's experience," read one reply to the museum's post.

"Incredible creature! Zhu Jianqiang's story has encouraged us," read another comment.

The pig's health deteriorated after it was found emaciated and barely moving in March, drawing concern from Chinese netizens over its condition. The pig's breeder surnamed Gong mentioned to the media that Zhu Jianqiang was merely old.

"In human terms, the pig is now 100 years old," said Gong, who has been taking care of the 14-year-old pig for six years.

Global Times