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King Neptune

Updated Mar 10, 2025
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King Neptune
This pig, named King Neptune by a Navy Recruiter in 1942, became a major part of the U.S. war effort in World War II.

Dressed in a Navy blanket, the piglet was auctioned off to raise money for war bonds (people bid on pieces of the pork meat). The bidding was widespread and high - since meat was rationed during the war, many people wanted a piece of the pig. But although everyone paid their money when the auction was over, no one claimed their "piece of meat." The piglet was saved.

Although numerous auctions were held for King Neptune throughout the war, the pattern continued: lots of bidders, lots of money raised, but no one claimed the life of Neptune. So King Neptune went on to live until 1950, when he died of pneumonia and was buried in a grave (with plaque) befitting his status. (He raised 19 million dollars for the war effort - over 200 million in today's dollars.)
Date & Place: at Illinois in Illinois United States
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Photo of Kimberly Kennelly Kimberly Kennelly
via Facebook
01/26/2017
Just watched his story on Mysteries at the Museum tonight! And already forgot his name!!!
Photo of Bernice Jones Bernice Jones
via Facebook
01/26/2017
Oh how sweet.
Photo of AncientFaces AncientFaces
via Facebook
01/26/2017
I love this story - because no one, even during meat rationing, wanted him slaughtered. No one.
Photo of Bernice Jones Bernice Jones
via Facebook
01/26/2017
I'm glad that he lived, a good long life.
Photo of Griff Brown Griff Brown
via Facebook
01/26/2017
King Neptune
Photo of Kimberly Kennelly Kimberly Kennelly
via Facebook
01/26/2017
That's it, thank you!!!
Photo of Dawn Price Dawn Price
via Facebook
01/26/2017
Makes me wanna know his story...gonna have to look him up
Photo of AncientFaces AncientFaces
via Facebook
01/26/2017
Just click on the link in the description of the post - it tells the story.
Explosives
Highly-interesting
Photo of Simona Coccofrulla Simona Coccofrulla
via Facebook
01/27/2017
Photo of Simona Coccofrulla Simona Coccofrulla
via Facebook
01/27/2017
I love This story...it learns that all the animals are important e not only dogs and cats need respect :) Glad to read that sometimes humans can be full of mercy
Photo of Rachel Bell Rachel Bell
via Facebook
01/27/2017
Photo of Jan Mortimer Jan Mortimer
via Facebook
01/28/2017
Sweet story
Photo of Sandra Cook Sandra Cook
via Facebook
01/28/2017
I wonder if he was the inspiration for the story Charlottes Web?
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