Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren has adopted Wilbur, the piglet whose viral escape through West Hollywood streets captivated millions last weekend.
The adoption was confirmed Thursday by the West L.A. Animal Shelter. Wilbur, spotted scampering near Laurel Avenue on Saturday, was captured after a chaotic pursuit involving residents and animal control officers. The pint-sized fugitive became an internet sensation.
Warren, 69, is known for hits including “Because You Loved Me” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” The 15-time Grammy nominee holds a record for most nominations without a win. She has long been an animal advocate, with a documented history of rescuing unconventional pets.
“I saw the video. I fell in love,” Warren said in a statement provided by the shelter. “He’s home now. That’s all that matters.”
The adoption process moved quickly. Shelter staff confirmed Warren reached out directly after news coverage aired Wednesday. Standard protocols were followed, including a home inspection and reference checks. The piglet was transported to Warren’s Los Angeles residence Thursday morning.
Wilbur’s new life involves a substantial adjustment. Pigs are highly intelligent, social animals requiring significant space and specialized veterinary care. Adult pigs can weigh between 100 and 300 pounds, depending on breed. Wilbur, estimated at three months old, will more than triple in size.
The “Wilbur effect” is measurable. According to shelter data, adoption inquiries for pigs in the Los Angeles area increased 400% within 24 hours of Warren’s announcement. Donations to the West L.A. Animal Shelter rose by an estimated $12,000.
Local news coverage varied in focus. ABC7 emphasized the chase footage and community involvement. NBC Los Angeles highlighted the adoption timeline. KTLA’s initial reporting centered on Wilbur’s availability for adoption. All three outlets confirmed no original owner came forward.
The broader context involves urban animal control. The West L.A. shelter reported 47 pigs taken in during 2025, up from 31 the previous year. Most were surrendered by owners unprepared for the animals’ size and needs.
Warren’s platform changes the conversation. Her social media following exceeds 2 million across platforms. She has indicated plans to document Wilbur’s life, potentially normalizing pig ownership and highlighting shelter adoption.
Wilbur’s escape story remains partially unresolved. How the piglet ended up on Laurel Avenue is unclear. No microchip was found. The previous owner, if any, has not been identified. The case is closed unless someone comes forward.
The shelter confirmed Wilbur will receive routine veterinary care, including vaccinations and eventual neutering. Warren’s property has been adapted with secure fencing and indoor accommodations. The piglet has reportedly taken to his new environment quickly.
This adoption represents a shift in how celebrity animal rescue operates. It is not a publicity stunt. It is a commitment with material consequences. Pigs live 15 to 20 years. This is a long-term arrangement.
For Warren, the songwriting veteran known for emotional ballads, the gesture carries symbolic weight. She has written songs about second chances for decades. Now she has provided one.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Diane Warren decide to adopt Wilbur the pig?
- A: Warren saw the viral video of Wilbur’s escape and said she fell in love with him, prompting her to reach out to the shelter immediately.
- Q: What was the adoption process like for Wilbur?
- A: The shelter followed standard protocols, including a home inspection and reference checks, before Wilbur was transported to Warren’s LA residence.
- Q: What changes will Wilbur face in his new home?
- A: Wilbur will grow significantly—from an estimated three months old to over triple his size—and will need ample space, social interaction, and specialized veterinary care.
Extended Reading
The viral chase footage, originally broadcast by ABC7, remains available on their platform. The West L.A. Animal Shelter has published adoption guidelines for pigs on their official website. NBC Los Angeles’ coverage includes the complete timeline of events from capture to adoption.