Guinea Pigs
21. Feb 2026,
It took a few centuries for these small, sweet guinea pigs to stop being embarrassed by their name. Back in the heights of the Andes in South America, they were called something entirely different.
What their original species name was remains a mystery to this day. Europeans hadn’t yet discovered the Americas, so the guinea pigs lived entirely among themselves — and among South Americans. But when they were eventually discovered by conquerors - not exactly known for their humanity - they were already trained: domesticated, serving as adorable household companions in South American families.
Back to the topic of “Good luck choosing a name.” In the fifteenth century — without social media, of course — the conquerors of the Andes had no idea what to call these cute creatures. And who could those only‑Spanish‑speaking sailors have asked anyway?
On the long journey back to Spain and Portugal, boredom was part of the travel package. So they took a closer look at their furry guests. One sailor commented that the animals looked like miniature pigs. And indeed, their body shape and the way they moved along the makeshift onboard runway seemed to confirm that. The rest of the name likely referred to the fact that the newcomers had arrived from far away.
Oh, one more thing: guinea pigs are not only friendly and curious; they’re also chatterboxes. They communicate constantly, without seeming to take a breath — as if talking might be banned tomorrow. Sometimes their conversations even sound like the grunting of big pigs. Wow, we’re really in detective mode today.
Speaking of big pigs!
Yesterday, that man… no, never mind.
The ongoing slander against pigs is unfair and doesn’t match the reality of how they actually live.
The grunters of the world are not the filthy creatures they’re often made out to be — quite the opposite.
Pigs are social animals that organize themselves within their groups. Mother pigs and their young play an important role in protecting the herd.
“Stupid pig”? That’s the exception, because pigs are impressively intelligent. They can solve complex problems, recognize themselves in mirrors, and communicate actively.
So how must a regular smart pig feel, with all these abilities, when it’s locked in a cramped cage until it’s ready for slaughter? Intelligence can be painfully burdensome.
How on earth did pigs end up with so many negative stereotypes that are so far from the truth?
A smart pig must be furious that its name is used as an insult.
So here’s my call to the world of grunting: “Pigs of all countries, unite!”
