Pigs are incredibly smart animals, with problem-solving skills comparable to that of a 3-year-old child. They can follow commands, have abstract thoughts, communicate their feelings clearly, use tools–the list goes on and on.

So, what you’ll see in this TikTok video shouldn’t surprise you. A pig named Merlin clearly communicating his feelings about something. But what Merlin ends up talking about *might* surprise you. It’s unusual and really endearingly adorable and someone needs to write a children’s book about it IMMEDIATELY.

I won’t spoil everything — I’ll just say that Merlin uses those popular talking buttons that dogs and cats are using these days to let mom know that he’s “mad.” He goes on to communicate that he wants something strange in the kitchen, and once Mom helps him with that, he uses his buttons to say that he’s “happy.” Here you go. Are you a vegetarian? You might be after this video.

How smart and sensitive is this pig?!? I love how the dog is kind of panicking and running around like “He’s mad! Get him his bird!” And then the dog wags his tail when mom puts the pigeon on Merlin’s back. How cute!

Viewers love this menagerie. “Has to be one of the coolest videos I’ve ever seen. Imagine what our great-great-grandparents would think had they seen a video like this… a pig asking for his bird to be put on his back, then expressing his joy. We live in crazy times but beautiful,” replied one.

Another viewer commented, “At no point did I know what was going to happen next.” I must agree with this. It kept me on the edge of my seat!

Amazing Facts About Pigs

If that video didn’t get to you, these facts certainly will.

• Pigs are extremely peaceful animals who rarely show aggression, only reacting if their young are threatened. They are social animals who love cuddling, cooperating together, and prefer living in groups.

• Pigs have more than 20 different calls they use to communicate with each other, each one meaning something different. Moms have special vocalizations for their piglets, and the babies can recognize mom’s call. Mom pigs also engage in a form of singing with their babies!

• Pigs can display heroic behavior. There have been reports of pigs saving animals and humans from drowning and fires. One pig even managed to get the attention of a passing car to help her human, who had suffered a heart attack.

• Pigs love to play. Chasing, wrestling, playing with hay, balls, boxes, and splash pads are just some of the ways they amuse themselves.

Related: Adorable Pig ‘Hogs’ Food Bowl in the Most Hilarious Way

Merlin’s intelligence isn’t the exception when it comes to pigs — they’re all that smart, although I’m not sure if they all make friends with pigeons.

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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.