Merlin the pig has a very specific way of expressing his displeasure: a purple button labeled “I’m mad.” A firm press with his snout, and the declaration rings out. Sometimes, a dramatic door slam in the laundry room accompanies the announcement, a clear sign of porcine indignation.
To his owner, Mina Alali, Merlin isn’t just a pet; he’s family. “I love him like I would my own child,” she says, describing the remarkable bond they share. At four years old, Merlin possesses a personality as big as his growing frame, a delightful mix of adorable charm and unwavering stubbornness.
Merlin doesn’t simply *want* things; he *requests* them. Mina has equipped their Sacramento home with a series of recordable buttons, allowing Merlin to communicate his needs and even his feelings. A simple press can summon a vegetable, an ice cube, or even a request for applause – a button proudly proclaiming “Clap for Merlin.”
This unique ability to communicate, coupled with his undeniable charisma, has propelled Merlin to unexpected fame. Recently, Guinness World Records recognized him as having the “most followers on Instagram for a pig,” a staggering 1.1 million fans captivated by his intelligent antics.
Life with a celebrity pig is an adventure. Outings require either a leash or a custom-built wagon – strollers proved too limiting. Mina and her fiancé playfully compare walking with Merlin to escorting Brad Pitt, a testament to the attention he commands.
Merlin celebrated his record-breaking achievement with a stroll through Sacramento, greeted by adoring fans offering a bounty of fruits and vegetables. Though he lacked a button to explicitly state his happiness, his relaxed demeanor, wagging tail, and genuine smile spoke volumes.
Mina’s journey began with a bearded dragon named Mochi, whom she successfully trained using tricks posted on TikTok. This sparked a passion: bringing animals into her life that others might overlook, offering them a loving home and a chance to shine.
The arrival of a miniature Vietnamese potbellied pig in March 2022 changed everything. Initially sleeping in a kennel, Merlin quickly asserted his preference for cuddling with Mina in bed, cementing his position as the star of her online world.
Merlin’s story echoes that of other remarkable house pigs, like Esther the Wonder Pig and Wellington, who challenged perceptions and captured hearts. But Merlin’s communication skills set him apart, opening a window into the complex inner life of a pig.
Mina quickly discovered that owning a pig was unlike anything she’d experienced with traditional pets. Pigs are remarkably intelligent, possessing impressive cognitive abilities and a rich emotional landscape. A childproof lock on the pantry became essential, as did accepting a 6 a.m. wake-up call each morning.
Training Merlin was surprisingly straightforward. Leash walking and outdoor bathroom breaks were mastered with positive reinforcement. Then came the buttons. Starting with “hungry” and “outside,” Mina linked each press to a corresponding reward, unlocking a new level of communication.
Each button is carefully designed with a distinct color and symbol – a tree and sun for “outside,” a heart for “thank you.” Merlin quickly learned to associate these cues with specific outcomes, expanding his vocabulary with each successful press.
The buttons aren’t all practical. Mina added playful requests like “dance with me mommy” (though Merlin’s 180 pounds eventually retired that one) and “pay attention to me right now,” embracing the humor and connection they fostered.
Merlin’s emotional range is readily apparent. He squeals when upset, wags his tail when happy, and delivers a pointed side-eye when frustrated. The “I’m mad” button is just one tool in his arsenal for expressing his feelings.
He even has social preferences, requesting playdates with the rats and his pigeon companion, Al Capone. He happily accepts them lounging atop his broad back, a testament to his gentle nature – except when it comes to other pigs, towards whom he displays a surprising aggression.
The buttons, lined up against the kitchen wall, are a constant work in progress. Videos of Merlin using them have garnered millions of views, captivating audiences worldwide. His story is a testament to the power of connection and the intelligence of animals.
Veterinarians confirm that Vietnamese potbellied pigs are far smarter than many realize. Training them to communicate, however, requires dedication, patience, and a generous supply of treats. They are, undeniably, a unique pet.
Beyond communication, Merlin enjoys chasing the family dog, popping balloons, and playing with a simple blue tarp. He’s also a certified therapy pig, bringing joy to residents of assisted living homes. And almost every night, he curls up with Mina on the couch.
Merlin’s role in Mina’s upcoming wedding is still being finalized, but food will undoubtedly be a key motivator for his walk down the aisle. With a lifespan of up to two decades, his story is far from over.
Mina recently added a button that says “good job,” which Merlin promptly used after receiving Al Capone. A stash of unused buttons awaits, promising an ever-expanding vocabulary. Her ultimate goal remains simple: to inspire more compassion and love for pigs.
