Traders Imported Guinea Pigs

Sixteenth century slave traders imported guinea pigs to Europe from South America.

On these voyages, the ships stopped at the West African coast of Guinea, so many Europeans may have thought that the animals came from this region: hence the name "guinea."

Or, because they were exported from Guiana in South America, people may have confused the named Guiana with the more familiar Guinea.

"Pig" may have come about because male guinea pigs are called "boars" while females are referred to as "sows."

However, babies are known as "pups," not piglets. Whatever the origin of the name, these affectionate little creatures, "shaped like a brick with the corners chopped off," became popular European pets.