Chinchilla

Greetings! I’m the Chinchilla, a soft-furred rodent from the Andes Mountains. What strikes most about me is the fact that my gorgeous fur coat covers a bundle of extra padding, keeping me warm in the cold mountain air. I enjoy a diet of hay, specially formulated pellets, and the occasional treat. To stay clean, I take dust baths, rolling around in volcanic ash to remove oils and dirt from my fur—water baths are a no-go for me!

I’m active and playful, often jumping and climbing easily thanks to my strong hind legs. My large, expressive eyes and bushy tail add to my irresistible charm. I’m a social animal and enjoy the company of other chinchillas and humans. My gentle nature and cuteness make me a beloved pet.

I live among a lively herd of over 100 other chinchillas in the wild, where our close-knit community thrives. In a unique twist compared to most mammals, our males take an active role in nurturing and raising our young. If a female cannot care for her baby, another member of our herd will willingly step in, embodying our spirit of unity and family support.

In captivity, I can live up to 15 years, but in the wild, my lifespan is often limited to around 10 years due to the constant threat of predators and various environmental challenges that can cut my life short. I share a fascinating lineage with guinea pigs and porcupines, meaning that encounters with them do not threaten me.

My fur, typically a soft grey, can also come in a beautiful array of colours, including white, black, and shades of brown. This diverse palette adds to my charm and provides perfect camouflage in my natural habitat, helping me blend seamlessly into my environment's rocky outcrops and surroundings.

Learn more about how you can take care of your little friend.

Click here to download the Chinchilla care guide.