Grammy-Winning Songwriter Adopts Viral Runaway WeHo Pig: Report

LOS ANGELES, CA — Wilbur, the pint-sized pig whose recent run through West Hollywood's streets became a viral sensation, has a new home with Grammy-winning songwriter and animal welfare activist Diane Warren.

Warren submitted the winning bid in a silent auction held Thursday morning at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter after no owner came forward to claim the black-and-white pig.

Wilbur was captured Saturday after being spotted running through streets near Fairfax Boulevard. Video of the pig sprinting past would-be rescuers quickly spread on social media.

The pig had been staying at the West Los Angeles shelter while animal control officials waited to see whether an owner would claim him.

Shelter officials said several people expressed interest in adopting Wilbur, but prospective owners had to show they had enough space to keep a farm animal and could comply with local zoning requirements for pigs.

KTLA reported that Wilbur is about 11 weeks old and weighs 17 pounds. Los Angeles Animal Services spokesperson Agnes Sibal-von Debschitz told the station that pigs can live about 15 years and that Wilbur could eventually weigh between 50 and 125 pounds.

Warren appears well equipped for the commitment.

She operates Mousebutt Rescue Ranch, a seven-acre animal sanctuary in Malibu, KTLA reported.

Marcia Zwilling, managing director of the Diane Warren Foundation, told KTLA that Warren contacted her after seeing video of Wilbur and urged her to get the pig.

“We’re experienced. The pig’s going to have a fabulous home on a ranch with gourmet salads every day,” Zwilling told the station.

Zwilling said Warren may ultimately give Wilbur a new name.

Warren has previously helped animals that made headlines in Southern California. In 2021, she helped find sanctuary for a cow that escaped from a slaughterhouse and ran through a Pico Rivera neighborhood.

Warren is the writer of numerous hit songs, including Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time" and Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."

Shelter officials did not disclose the amount of Warren's winning bid.

City News Service contributed to this report.