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The Fascinating Story of the Guinea Pig

by: JohnSavage
Total views: 7 | Word Count: 475

When 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 adorable creatures that make excellent pets, but they have not always been a family pet, so what is their history and where were they first discovered?

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.

Those same fossils indicate that the guinea pig used to be much larger than it is today, anything up to 9 feet long.

Now where do they come from? Well they originated in South America, and were first domesticated by the Incas. They were both a religious Icon, and sadly a source of food, and this is still the case even today in parts of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

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!

The guinea pig first arrived in Europe and America as a result of sailors bringing them there to sell for one guinea, and this is how they got their name.

The other part of the name comes from what is in my opinion a vague likeness to the rear end of a pig, and also to the tendency to squeal like a pig.

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.

You may be surprised to learn that a rodent could be so well loved, but a recent survey placed guinea pigs just behind dogs, cats and rabbits in the popular pet league.

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.

About the Author

Next thing check out John Savages excellent website on guinea pigs where you can pick up some free articles and detailed descriptions on these fantastic animals

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