There is always fun to be had at Nashville Zoo.
Besides roaming our trails, grabbing a bite to eat, visiting our veterinary center, taking a spin on the carousel, feeding the lorikeets, and petting the goats - we have a variety of Keeper Chats where you can learn all about your favorite animals from our Zookeepers!
Guinea Pig Keeper Chat
Surprisingly, guinea pigs are not related to pigs, nor did they originate in Guinea. Though they no longer exist in the wild, guinea pigs are cavies indigenous to South America, with fossil records dating back to 9,000 B.C. Domestication began around 5,000 B.C. for food by tribes in the Andean region and remain a popular food source in South America today. There are 13 recognized breeds of guinea pig, and each is characterized by differences in hair color, texture, sheen and patterns present. Guinea pigs are very social animals and are popular as household pets in Western societies.
You can see our Abyssinian, Peruvian, Teddy and American guinea pigs at Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear.
Date & Time
