The Massachusetts owners of a pig estimated to weigh 1,200 pounds at his peak said the animal has died at the age of nearly 12.

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Miranda Russell, co-owner of Russell Orchards in Ipswich, said Big Boy went to "hog heaven" in late August and workers have since discovered how much the pig was loved by the farm's frequent visitors, the Boston Globe reported Tuesday.

"If pigs could be a diva, Big Boy was a diva,'' said Patrick Henry, who was Big Boy's primary caretaker. "He would play to the camera. He knew his value as an entertainer. He knew when he had an audience. He would nod his head, pointing down to where he wanted people to drop an apple or a doughnut. He loved Chinese food. He really would eat almost anything.''

Russell said another of the farm's pigs is likely to receive a promotion and be spared to attract tourists.