Monday February 27th on Treasure Island (Cay), one of the 2400 Cays and 700 islands that make up the Bahamas. I had the pleasure of meeting, swimming and learning about the pigs on the beach. While not located in the previously known Exumas area, it was an extra special day indeed. 
A short boat ride from Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) private island Stirrup Cay I was warmly greeted by the two supervisors onsite, Ronnie Brown and Jameko Russell. They made me and my husband Kelly feel extra welcome and allowed me/us to bring note pads and cameras in an area where usually nothing but a bathing suit is allowed. This gave us an exceptional opportunity to learn and engage more with the pigs up close and personal. I have to give a shout out to Roy Mutingwende, part of the Shore Excursions staff of NCL, who was able to get his boss to give the heads up to Ronnie, Jameko and even Joanne Darville (tour check in lady) that we were coming. 
This project started about four years ago, initially with some rescued pigs from a slaughterhouse in Nassau. The current residents on Treasure Island (Cay) serve a shore excursion program called Swim With the Pigs, for both NCL and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. 
Currently there are 43 pigs on the small island, made up mostly of cross breeds of Durocs, Saddlebacks and Hampshires. The pigs have a couple paddock areas located above the beach with fresh water, plenty of shade, a farrowing area and of course feed, which is made up of corn meal and apples. In these paddock areas the males and females are kept apart. 
The sows typically have 16 piglets per litter and are allowed natural weaning, the young males remain intact. They do have a vet that comes to check on the herd from Nassau. The pigs on this island have no natural enemies except the occasional shark swimming in the water. A close neighboring island has wild pigs, goats and chickens. 
While some might worry about the health and safety of these pigs, I have to say they all looked very healthy and could not been happier to engage with the attendees of the tour. It was mentioned numerous times by both of the supervisors that the pig’s health and safety is the number one priority of the tour company, Bethel Group of Companies.

Again, the care and concern for their animals is so obvious, as before anyone is allowed to interact with the pigs a full safety briefing of how to hold the apples is given to ensure the sticks do not poke them. Also, to make sure attendees are safe and not jumped up on. 
On the beach itself the pigs are divided in to three age group areas: sows/gilts, medium sized and the babies or weaners. About half of the pigs are allowed out of the paddocks at one time, to ensure they do not get to excited and have a rest in between the few tour groups. 
Ronnie and Jameko, wearing their Prairie Hog Country ball caps, showed us how to properly engage with the pigs. They use cut-up apples to entice more interaction.  Michelle, a black Saddleback, would sit when I asked her. She then was rewarded with some apples. Followed by Cinnamon also practicing to sit for apples. 
I then proceeded in the water with Biscuit, a Duroc cross; she would swim around me looking for her apples. 
Jameko then brought Michelle back in water beside me, and like a dolphin she literally drug me around for a swim – it was amazing. Then little Willy became my best buddy and kept coming back to me. 
Back on the beach with Jameko I was able to engage with more of the weaners; they are so easygoing and obviously well taken care of. 
Of course, with live animals there also is a crew on the beach with nets in hand to quickly scoop up any waste. 
While on the tour, I found one of the other 73 visitors that was almost as excited as me. Nate Kennedy from Minnesota, it was his 30th birthday that day and he had on the coolest pig swim trunks. I teased Kelly, my husband, after and said I needed to get him a pair too. 

Except for the pigs, the very small island is mostly uninhabited. Someone is on site over night and some caretakers never leave, again to ensure the pigs safety and well-being. 
After almost 50 minutes of learning more and asking so many questions it was time to get back on our small boat to return us to Stirrup Cay, but not before I was able to get a piggy shoulder massage from Willy. As you can see from my smile it was an amazing day and one I will remember forever. As promised to the tour operator company I will send them copies of the article and more PHC hats and treasures. •
— By Laurie Brandly
As always, I am very aware of potential disease threats and take full precautions. As I was engaging with these pigs on February 27th,
I will not be in direct contact with a herd or live pigs till July.