Photos of Bimbap dressed up for the holidays were posted on Facebook earlier this week, and the commenters quickly fell in love.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — A 124-pound pig named Bimbap is hoping to find his forever home this holiday season.
According to the Prince George’s County Animal Shelter, Bimbap is an adorable, playful pig with a personality as big as his heart.
“This charming guy is full of energy and curiosity. He loves to explore his surroundings and is always on the lookout for exciting new adventures,” the shelter website reads.
Photos of Bimbap dressed up for the holidays were posted on Facebook earlier this week, and the commenters quickly fell in love.
“Oh my heart ❤️❤️ Just stop it right now!!!” one comment read.
The animal shelter says Bimbap thrives on social interaction and enjoys the company of humans and other animals.
“Whether it’s a belly scratch or just hanging out, he is sure to charm his way into your heart,” the shelter wrote.
The shelter says he enjoys lounging in the sun and snuffling around for snacks, especially if they’re tasty fruits or vegetables.
“His gentle and friendly nature makes him an ideal companion for anyone looking to add a little joy to their home,” the shelter website reads.
Bimbap has gone viral once before, leading the shelter staff to believe he would easily find his forever home. But no applications for adoptions ever came.
“He didn’t get any applications, and honestly, we’re not telling him because he claimed his own corner office and walks around in it like he’s CEO of the place, tail wagging like he just closed a big deal and we don’t want to let him down ????. His tail wags are pretty adorable, though,” the website reads. “Future influencer? Maybe (in his mind), but this little star is ready to find a forever home—social media manager optional.”
Thursday, WUSA9 went to go visit Bimbap at the shelter.
He agreed to be on camera in exchange for some Cheetos.
As he munched away, Kennel Manager Ramera Nero explained that he arrived at the shelter in October, after he was found “running around at large. So, we picked him up so he could hopefully find his owner, but his owner never came,” she said. “So, he’s been hanging out with us, just eating and living life to the fullest.”
She explained that they recently gave him a little photoshoot, and shortly after the photos were posted, the calls started pouring in.
“I think his photos have gone viral because he’s been smiling with his mouth open on there with his cute little bow,” Nero said. “We’re just trying to get him adopted.”
Thursday, the shelter secured a placement for Bimbap with a rescue organization experienced with pigs.
“We were able to find one of our great rescue partners, who we rely on regularly for our different animals, who works regularly with pigs and is going to be able to pull Bimbap into their rescue,” said David Fisher of the Prince George’s County Animal Shelter. “Have him be out there with some other pigs just living his best life lounging it out.”
Shelter staff said Bimbap will be missed.
“They’re smarter than a lot of people think. They are extremely smart,” Nero said. “You can see he already knows what he needs to do to get treats from me.”
While Bimbap has found his new home, shelter officials emphasized that many animals remain in need of adoption, including dogs on the urgent list.
“He is currently on our urgent list because we have so many dogs in the facility,” Nero said of one dog named Shadow. “We send out our urgent list on Wednesday and they have until Wednesday next week to find a home.”
Fisher said the shelter is counting on community support.
“We have a lot of animals, and we know our community has a lot of love,” he said. “So let’s match those things up.”
Click here for more information about the other animals up for adoption.