‘Operation Oink’: Oregon animal sanctuaries welcome pigs released from research labs

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Thanks to “Operation Oink!”, two Oregon animal sanctuaries have welcomed pigs that were freed from an undisclosed research lab.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund announced the release of six pigs on Tuesday. Two pigs were relocated to Leo’s Animal Rescue in Onyx, Calif., while one pair was transported to Portland’s Wildlings Forest Sanctuary and another now lives at Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary in Scio, Ore.

ALDF reported it spent several weeks planning the operation, which required crews to travel thousands of miles over three days using two separate modes of transportation. New Life Animal Sanctuary, a California-based organization focused on releasing animals from research labs, also assisted.

The National Institutes of Health explained that animals serve “important roles” in research because they help drive medical advancements.

But according to advocates, it is rare for animals to survive these labs. ALDF said they are often forced to undergo invasive tests before dying in a terminal study.

“We may never know what these smart and sensitive pigs endured while locked behind laboratory doors,” Executive Director Chris Green added in a statement. “But we do know that conducting invasive research on pigs can be extremely cruel and unnecessary. We thus are overjoyed to at least help these six sweet souls start their new lives in safe, serene sanctuaries where they can experience joy and feel forever safe from harm.”

Göttingen Minipigs — the species that was released from the undisclosed lab — are bred specifically for research purposes.

Marshall BioResources, a “global provider of purpose-bred animals for biomedical research and related services,” describes itself as the only U.S. supplier for Göttingen pigs. The company said the species was developed in a university lab in Germany, where researchers combined three different types of pig.

ALDF reported that Göttingen are bred to fit into smaller cages, with a “gentle nature” that helps researchers conduct tests.

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