The Fascinating Story of the Guinea Pig
June 1, 2008 – 7:13 amWhen was the last time you visited with a friend only to have their children frog march you out to the back yard to view their latest acquisition which you knew little about, their pet guinea pig?
They are quite fascinating animals who have not always been domesticated as they are today, so just where do they come from and how did they get that strange name?
A cavy is the proper name for the guinea pig, and they are a member of the rodent family.
These delightful animals have been around for millions of years, and we know this because of fossilised remains that have been uncovered and it is only relatively recently that they have become a family pet.
Now for something else to surprise you, they used to be much larger than they are today, averaging around 9 feet long. That’s a sizeable pet.
South America is the original homeland for the guinea pig, and in particular the Incas are the first recorded people to have them in their homes. They were treated as a religious icon but also I am afraid they were used for meals and that is still true today in some parts of South America.
Ever thought a rodent would be considered to have healing powers? Well in some parts of Peru they believe this and they think that the guinea pig can aid the transition from this life to the next. Now that is quite something!
These lovely creatures came to Europe and America courtesy of the sailors who brought them to sell for, guess what, a guinea, and that is where part of their name came from.
The second part of their name, pig, comes from their likeness, at the rear end, to pigs, and also to the fact that they tend to squeal a bit like pigs.
Not only of course have they been used as pets, but they have also contributed quite a lot to research and you have no doubt used the expression yourself “I am being treated as a guinea pig”
Many years ago medical science cottoned on to the idea of using guinea pigs in their research, and although the downside was the end for the guinea pig, the upside is that it has saved many a human life.
Even today they are still used for research but in a more humane way which we are told does not cause any distress to the animal.
Today in Peru, guinea pigs still play a prominent role in various ceremonies, and quite often a person will give one as a present when they are trying to impress.
Isn’t it amazing that what is in effect a rodent could become such a popular pet? During a recent survey it was found that guinea pigs came just fourth in popularity behind dogs, cats and rabbits.
So, next time your friends children drag you out to look at their pet guinea pig you will understand a little more about the attraction of these animals.
Tags: Pets
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