Our mission is to train scientists. This blog is a platform for us to share updates on our annual programme, tips and tricks for scientists, new e-learning opportunities, and sometimes just something to make you smile.
Welcome to Guinea Pig Appreciation Day, a celebration dedicated to our small, furry friends who have charmed their way into our hearts and homes.
But did you know that they also have a fascinating history and made significant contributions to science? Let’s delve into why we appreciate guinea pigs and explore the science behind these little creatures.
Guinea Pig Appreciation Day, observed annually on 16 July, was established to honour and recognise the joy these pets bring to countless households around the world. It’s a day to celebrate their companionship, unique behaviors, and the roles they play beyond being adorable pets.
Guinea pigs were domesticated over 3,000 years ago by the indigenous people of the Andes in South America. They were initially bred for food, and their cultural significance is still evident in various South American traditions today. The Spanish conquistadors brought guinea pigs to Europe in the 16th century, where they quickly became popular pets due to their friendly and social nature.
What else do we know about the unique biology of guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are highly social animals that thrive in the company of their kind. They communicate through a variety of sounds, including purring, wheeking, and chirping, each indicating different emotions and needs. This social behaviour makes them fascinating subjects for studying animal communication and social structures.
Guinea pigs have unique dietary requirements, particularly their need for a constant supply of fresh hay and vitamin C. Their digestive system is specially adapted to process large amounts of fibre, and their inability to produce vitamin C necessitates a diet rich in this nutrient to prevent scurvy
With a lifespan of 5 to 7 years, guinea pigs have relatively long lives for small rodents. They have a gestation period of about 68 days, and their pups are born fully furred and with their eyes open, ready to explore the world.
So what are the contributions that guinea pigs make to the scientific world?
Guinea pigs have been invaluable in scientific research in the fields of medicine and genetics as their physiology and genetics are quite similar to humans.
Here are a couple of key contributions:
There are many ways to celebrate Guinea Pig Appreciation Day and show your furry friends some extra love:
Guinea Pig Appreciation Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the joy and companionship these little creatures bring into our lives. Their contributions to science and medicine, along with their endearing behaviours, make them truly special.