Chinese netizens are bidding farewell to the plucky pig that was trapped under rubble for 36 days following a magnitude-8 earthquake in 2008 and is now reportedly dying of old age.

The pig, named Zhu Jianqiang, meaning strong-willed pig in Chinese, was taken in by the Sichuan Museum of Jianchuan in the county of Dayi in the southern Chinese province of Sichuan after the devastating earthquake.

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake, also called the Wenchuan earthquake, claimed the lives of over 69,000 people while over 18,000 were listed as missing.

Zhu Jianqiang, now 14 years old, miraculously survived under rubble for 36 days – living off rainwater and charcoal before being rescued – and subsequently became a national icon.

The museum said on social media: “The pig has been cared for at the museum since 2008.

Netizens expressed their sadness that the animal is apparently dying and one Weibo user said: “I have been to the museum twice to see the pig. I was touched by the tour guide’s remarks sharing the pig’s experience.”

Another netizen commented: “Incredible animal! Zhu Jianqiang’s story encouraged us all.”

A worker, surnamed Gong, who has been taking care of Zhu Jianqiang for the last six years, said the 14-year-old pig has been in ill health since March.

Gong added: “In human terms, the pig is now 100 years old.”