Guinea Pig Soft Toy - Anima Plush

The guinea pig soft toy by Anima has the compact, rounded body shape familiar from real guinea pigs — short legs, soft fur and an alert face with small dark button eyes. French manufacturer Anima has been recreating animals in plush since 1946, paying close attention to lifelike proportions and soft, tactile materials. In a child's room, this guinea pig plush toy can stand in when a real pet is not yet an option — children naturally practise caring for animals through play. In nurseries and primary schools, it works well during project weeks on the topic of pets and responsibility. The soft toy meets the European EN71 safety standard.

The domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) originates from South America and was domesticated by the Incas over 3,000 years ago. As a rodent belonging to the family Caviidae, it grows to between 20 and 35 centimetres in length and weighs 700 to 1,200 grammes. Guinea pigs are highly sociable animals and should never be kept alone — in the wild they live in groups of up to 20 individuals. They communicate through a surprisingly wide range of sounds: whistling, purring, rumbling and squeaking are all part of their daily repertoire.

Did you know that guinea pigs have nothing to do with the sea or with pigs, despite their name in many languages? The English name likely comes from the animals being brought to Europe via Guinea trade routes, while their squealing sounds reminded people of piglets. In Peru, guinea pigs remain a traditional delicacy to this day — known locally as "cuy", they are prepared for special occasions.