The history of the guinea pig is extensive. In particular, many people often ask where the guinea pig originated and where their rather interesting name derived. Over the years I have read much regarding the history of the guinea pig and hope that the below information will answer some of these common questions.

Guinea pigs have been around for a very long time. Fossil records of the guinea pigs existance date back to over 18 million years ago. According to peruvian archeologists it is believed that domestication of guinea pigs begun around 5000BC in the Andes region of South America. These particular guinea pigs were the wild ancestors of the guinea pigs seen today and were called Cavia Aparera. The colours of these guinea pigs were ' agouti ' which is similar to that of a wild rabbit. This particular colour gave guinea pigs good camoflouge against predators. This colour is still seen today among the many other coloured varieties of the guinea pig. Their was existence of statues around 1400AD in Peru and also archeological evidence in Ecuador around 500BC to 500 AD which indicate that guinea pigs were raised and used.

It is believed that Spanish, Dutch and English traders originally bought guinea pigs to Europe. Guinea pigs became popular pets all over Europe among the upper class and royalty. Queen Elizabeth herself had a guinea pig.

GUINEA PIGS IN THE ANDES

Guinea pigs have been traditionally used in the Andes for healing, food and in sacred rituals among other religous traditions for thousands of years. Guinea pigs are so very much entrenched in the culture that many of the traditional religious paintings of Christ's last supper were pained with Christ and his 12 disciples dining on guinea pig.

Guinea pigs in South America are reffered to as ' CUY '. These guinea pigs are twice the size of guinea pigs in Australia and other parts of the world and on average Cuy weigh 2 kilos. The size and weight of Cuy gradually increased once scientists began working on their size to try to produce larger specimens. The average length of an adult Cuy is about 30cm and the varieties of Cuy in Peru are similar to that in other parts of the world with their being many colours and coat types.

It has been reported that their are around 22 million Cuy in Peru. Scientists though have calculated that their is at least 30 million Cuy in Peru.

To be continued...

WHY ARE THEY CALLED GUINEA PIGS?

Their are varying theories as to the origin of the guinea pigs name. Guinea Pigs are neither a Pig nor are they from Guinea. Below are are few of several theories that have come about over the years.

- Guinea pigs were found in a South American country called ' Guiana ' and it is believed that the name may be a corruption the countries name.

- Guinea pigs were originally brought to Europe by the way of Guinea and this led people to believe that guinea pigs may have originated in Guinea.

- The term ' Guinea ' is referred to in English as a  far away unknown country. It is believed that the name may simply be a colourful reference to the guinea pigs foreignness.

- The word ' Pig ' in ' Guinea Pig ' it is believed came about due to the shape of the guinea pig being similar to that of a pig, with a large round rear and smaller head. The guinea pig ' squeaks and wheeks ' are also similar to the noise a baby piglet would make.

- It is often said that guinea pigs EAT LIKE PIGS! Hence a phrase that relates a guinea pig to the term ' Pig '.  

(c) Copyright 2006, Australian Cavy Sanctuary. All rights reserved.