ABOUT THE Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs, known as cavies, are a domesticated rodent species originally hailing from South Africa. However, they have gained greater popularity as beloved pets and, unfortunately, as a source of food.

These charming creatures possess a wide range of vocalizations to express themselves and communicate.

A male guinea pig is referred to as a boar, while the female is called a sow. A baby guinea pig is affectionately known as a pug or piglet.

Vitamin C holds immense significance for their well-being since guinea pigs are incapable of synthesizing it internally, unlike humans. Insufficient vitamin C in their diets can lead to severe illness, such as scurvy.

Our guinea pigs

Our group of guiea pigs are all female and live in the Guinea Pig Village since 2003. They are a firm favourite at our animal handling sessions.

Did you know

Guinea pigs have many calls that they use to communicate

WHAT THEY EAT: Grasses, herbs, vegetables and fruit

HABITAT: Mountain grassland

JFWP Animal Experience: Yes. Find more about Small Furries Experiences »

ANIMAL SPONSORSHIP: Find more about Animal Adoptions»

CORPORATE SPONSOR: Haypigs!

Guinea Pig Gallery

Guinea Pigs
New Guinea Pig Village

Share This Animal story, Choose Your Platform!

Check out some more amazing animals…

Getting to Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
Opening times
Park map
Food and drink
FAQs
Accommodation
Onsite stores
Facilities and Accessibility

Tickets

Events

Membership

Reservations

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park News

Big Bear Rescue 2 Confirmed!

Big Bear Rescue 2 Confirmed!

Channel 4 has acquired a second series from Glasgow based Red Sky Productions following Jimmy Doherty and his team rescuing animals urgently in need of a new home.

Native Natter: June

Native Natter: June

What a scorcher June turned out to be! Join Gemma as she looks back on a month packed with sunshine, memorable moments and everything she's been up to.

On the Hunt for one of Britain’s Rarest Butterfly’s: The British Swallowtail

On the Hunt for one of Britain’s Rarest Butterfly’s: The British Swallowtail

Recently, the marketing team made the journey to the Norfolk Broads to experience the British Swallowtail in its home first-hand.

Critically Endangered Pancake Tortoise Hatches at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park!

Critically Endangered Pancake Tortoise Hatches at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park!

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park is celebrating a significant conservation success after the hatching of a critically endangered Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri).

Bears Behind Bars: Jimmy Takes Our Mission to ITV’s Lorraine

Bears Behind Bars: Jimmy Takes Our Mission to ITV’s Lorraine

Jimmy Doherty joined Lorraine on ITV this morning to talk about the Bears Behind Bars mission: a race against time to rescue five moon bears from South Korea and give them a forever home at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk.

Officially England’s Best Large Visitor Attraction!

Officially England’s Best Large Visitor Attraction!

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park has been crowned England’s Best Large Visitor Attraction at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.

Lion Lake is now open!

Lion Lake is now open!

Experience a UK-first lion viewing experience at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, with spectacular views of Kamal and Rani across Lion Lake.

We Celebrate Major Milestone as Kamal, the UK’s Oldest Asiatic Lion, Turns 16!

We Celebrate Major Milestone as Kamal, the UK’s Oldest Asiatic Lion, Turns 16!

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park marked a very special milestone as Kamal, the UK’s oldest Asiatic lion, celebrated his 16th birthday with enrichment, scent-filled presents and an ice cake fit for the King of Suffolk.