Although guinea pigs are among the most popular pets belong, very few people know much about their history. Where are they originally from? How did they get to Europe? What is the secret behind her name? The following text is intended to shed more light on the cute and always curious «Meeris».
where they come from
Cavia Porcellus – that’s their Latin name – belong to the rodent family. Originally from South America, particularly the Andes, the modern guinea pig is descended from the species «Cavia Cutleri».
Domestication of the guinea pig
There is ample evidence that the native peoples of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and the Andes began domesticating these wild animals around 5,000 BC. Especially in Peruvian society they were kept for food purposes. These small animals feature in folk art and handicrafts from around 500 BC to 500 AD.
Guinea pigs in medicine and religion
Guinea pigs played and still play an important role in Peruvian medicine and religion. It is believed that using a guinea pig can diagnose diseases, black guinea pigs are considered to be the best diagnostic tools.
The guinea pig also had a religious significance. Some civilizations, such as the Moche civilization (about 100-800 AD in northern Peru) worshiped the animals and often incorporated them into their artwork or erected statues of guinea pigs. The Incas, however, sacrificed them to their gods.
selective breeding
From 1200 to 1500 AD and up until the Spanish colonization of South America, the Peruvians – particularly the Incas – bred guinea pigs into increasingly exotic breeds; many are very similar in color and coat type to the breeds known today.
How they got to Europe
When trade with Europe really took off in the 16th century, guinea pigs became a popular import, more for entertainment than food. First introduced to Europe by Spanish conquerors, they were highly sought after as exotic pets, especially by the wealthy and royalty. Queen Elizabeth I of England is one of the first fans of these cute little animals. The earliest known written accounts of guinea pigs date back to 1547 in Santo Domingo, Hispanola.