Pigs have a special charm, especially when they're piglets, with their tiny snouts and playful snorts. However, they grow up quickly—unless you have a mini pig and name it something grand like Merlin. (Personally, I might have chosen Hamlet McBacon, but that's beside the point.)
Mina Alali, a TikTok user from California, has gained significant attention online for her relationship with Merlin, her miniature pig. While many people have pigs—whether mini, medium-sized, or large hogs living in barns—Alali stands out for treating her pig like a child, taking him on adventures and documenting their life together.
Alali's videos of her interactions with Merlin have inspired many to consider getting their own mini pig. However, training Merlin was no simple task. Alali, 25, shared with Yahoo Finance that having a pig was a lifelong dream, but she underestimated the difficulties involved in training him. Pigs can be quite vocal, and the constant squealing can be a challenge if you’re not on a farm.
Alali explained that she had to train Merlin to remain calm during handling to prevent him from squealing. Thankfully, Merlin has adapted well and enjoys being around people. “It’s definitely a challenge…You need to invest as much time, love, and affection into [the pig] as you would a toddler,” she told SWNS. Her perseverance has paid off, and her videos of Merlin are delighting viewers everywhere.
Though Merlin is a mini Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and won’t grow beyond about 80 pounds, he stands out for his intelligence. He can communicate with Alali using electronic buttons—an impressive feat that makes him smarter than some pets who might just chew on the buttons instead of using them.
The cuteness doesn’t end there. Alali also takes Merlin on coffee runs, often seen enjoying a trip to Starbucks. The baristas are always entertained, and Merlin's charming antics could well make him a celebrity, perhaps even with his own skincare line in the future.
Despite Merlin's undeniable cuteness and his impressive following of over 1.8 million on TikTok, owning a pig is a significant commitment. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs can weigh between 70 and 175 pounds and have a lifespan of up to 20 years. So, while you might enjoy watching Alali and Merlin's adventures online, consider the commitment before bringing a pig into your own life.
In the meantime, you can enjoy all the adorable pig content by visiting Alali and Merlin’s TikTok page.