"Zhu Jianqiang": China's symbol of survival after earthquake

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This pig known as “Zhu Jianqiang” in Chinese, or “Strong Pig” in English, rose to fame when he was found alive and well after a devastating earthquake occurred in Wenchuan County in 2008.

Now, 10 years after the Wenchuan earthquake occurred, he's being frequented by visitors around the country.

This is Zhu Jianqiang. The symbol of survival in China after the Wenchuan earthquake. /VCG photo

At the ripe old age of 11, over 80 in human years, he spends 20 hours a day sleeping and rises in the afternoon for the first of two daily feedings.

As his keeper, Gong Guocheng, entered the pen with a bucket of slop, the determination that earned Zhu his name was on full display: as he struggled to stand, he unleashed a series of agonized shrieks, terrifying a group of schoolchildren.

A group of students watches Zhu walking. /VCG photo

But soon enough he was ambling amiably through a nearby orchard, snuffling through the fallen fruit and letting visitors pet him.

"It's Zhu Jianqiang!" an elderly tourist shouted as the hog lumbered across the pavement back to his pen.

Zhu Jianqiang back to his pen. / VCG photo

Zhu’s front legs were injured during the earthquake, and he has difficulty standing.

The problem nearly cost him his life, according to a recent Chinese media report, which said Zhu was on his last legs after he had become too fat to stand. But after a diet, he's back on his feet.

Zhu's front legs were injured in the 2018 Wenchuan earthquake. / VCG photo

On May 12, 2008, Zhu was discovered alive under some rubble, 36 days after the 8.0-magnitude earthquake occurred in Wenchuan County.

He survived on rainwater and a bag of charcoal during the ordeal. This feat earned him the status of hero in China.

(With inputs from news agencies)