A black and white pig racing through the busy streets of West Hollywood had no idea that his unexpected adventure was about to completely change his life. The runaway animal quickly caught the attention of drivers, residents, and people online as footage of him wandering through the famous neighborhood spread across social media. Soon nicknamed Wilbur, the curious pig became an unlikely local celebrity. But behind the amusing sight was an important question about where he belonged and who would give him a safe home once his brief Hollywood adventure came to an end.
Wilbur was eventually brought to the West L.A. Animal Shelter, where staff hoped his original family might come forward to claim him. When no one did, his growing popularity brought another possibility. Four potential adopters expressed interest in giving the famous pig a home. A silent auction was held to determine where Wilbur would go next, and one bidder was acting on behalf of legendary songwriter Diane Warren.
Warren is known for writing some of music’s most recognizable songs, including Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me,” Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” This time, however, it was not music that captured her attention. It was a little pig running through West Hollywood.
Marcia Zwilling, managing director of the Diane Warren Foundation, told ABC 7 that Warren saw news footage of Wilbur and immediately wanted to help. Warren called her and urged her to get the pig, setting the unusual adoption process in motion.
From West Hollywood Streets to a Malibu Sanctuary
Winning the auction meant Wilbur’s days of running the city streets were officially behind him. His destination could hardly be more different from the busy neighborhood where people first spotted him. Wilbur will live at Warren’s seven-acre animal sanctuary in Malibu, where he will have plenty of space and the companionship of other rescued animals. Zwilling said the pig can look forward to gourmet salads and a comfortable life surrounded by animals and people committed to his care.
The sanctuary is known as Mousebutt Rescue Ranch. Its unusual name honors Warren’s late cat, Mouse, and a parrot she called Buttwings. Wilbur will not be the only pig there. The sanctuary is also home to cats, goats, horses, chickens, donkeys, and other animals, giving the former West Hollywood wanderer an entirely new community.
When Warren finally met Wilbur, her affection for him was immediate. She admired the pig while playfully wondering what he had been doing running around Hollywood in the first place. There may also be another change ahead for the newest resident. Warren already has a pig named after the beloved character from “Charlotte’s Web,” so she has considered giving her newest arrival a name inspired by the place where his adventure began: Hollywood.
Whatever name he ultimately answers to, the important part of his story is already settled. Wilbur has a permanent home where his needs can be met and where he will be surrounded by other animals. Zwilling described it simply, saying the pig would have a wonderful home.
For Warren, winning the auction also provided an opportunity for a little humor about her celebrated career. The songwriter joked, “I lose Oscars, but I won a pig,” before expressing how happy she was that Wilbur would have a good home. The joke refers to Warren’s extraordinary history with the Academy Awards. She has received 17 competitive nominations without a win, including a nomination for “Dear Me” from the documentary “Diane Warren: Relentless.” She received an honorary Academy Award in 2022 in recognition of her career.
Her first nomination came in 1988 for co-writing Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” from the film “Mannequin.” Decades later, Warren remains one of Hollywood’s most recognized songwriters.
Her decision to welcome Wilbur also reflects a longstanding commitment to animals. Warren is vegan, and the Diane Warren Foundation supports animal rights and protection, as well as programs benefiting older adults, people facing life-threatening illnesses, and music-related charities.
Wilbur’s strange journey began with the uncertainty of running loose through one of Los Angeles County’s busiest neighborhoods. For a while, no one knew where he had come from or where he would end up.
Now the pig who unexpectedly became an internet sensation has traded pavement and traffic for open space, fresh meals, animal companions, and a permanent sanctuary in Malibu. His Hollywood adventure may have made him famous, but finding a secure and caring home became the most meaningful part of his story.
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