Despite their name, guinea pigs do not come from Guinea and are not related to pigs. Their ancestral home is South America, where their history began in wild mountain dwellings before they became pets. The journey of the guinea pig spans from the Andes to homes across the globe.
The Andean Mountain Homeland
The wild ancestors of the domestic guinea pig, Cavia porcellus, originated in the Andes Mountains. Their native habitat spans the grassy plains and rocky areas of what is now Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. These wild cavies, such as Cavia tschudii, lived in burrows and forged paths through thick vegetation.
Wild cavies were primarily nocturnal, a behavior that helped them forage for plants while avoiding predators. They lived in small social groups consisting of a male, a few females, and their young. Their natural brown or grey coloration provided camouflage in the Andean landscapes.
Domestication in South American Cultures
The relationship between humans and guinea pigs began thousands of years ago, with domestication evidence dating to 5000 BCE. Indigenous peoples of the Andes, including forerunners to the Inca civilization, were the first to bring these animals into their homes as wild cavies began living near human settlements.
The primary purpose of domestication was for food. Known as “cuy,” they became a protein staple in the mountainous region, a tradition that continues in Peru and Bolivia. Guinea pigs also held a place in cultural and religious practices, used in healing rituals to diagnose illnesses or as sacrifices to the gods.
The Journey to Europe and a Confusing Name
Guinea pigs were introduced to Europe in the 16th century by Spanish explorers. They quickly became popular pets among the European upper class and royalty, including England’s Queen Elizabeth I. Their docile nature made them appealing companions, a contrast to their role as livestock in their native land.
The origin of their name is subject to several theories. The “Guinea” part may have arisen because they were sold for a “guinea,” an English coin, or because transport ships from South America also traded along the coast of Guinea in Africa. The “pig” in their name is attributed to their stout bodies and the squealing sounds they make.