Brooklyn Park Guinea Pigs Featured at Minnesota Zoo

Families from all over the Twin Cities flock to the Minnesota Zoo to see animals from all over the world. But one new exhibit actually has a Brooklyn Park connection.

“These guinea pigs are actually on loan from Piggy Haven, located in Brooklyn Park,” explains Jim Sanford, Llama Trek assistant curator. “It’s a rescue and sanctuary for guinea pigs.”

The exhibit is a learning opportunity for visitors to know more about animal sanctuaries.

“A lot of people think of rescue dogs and rescue cats. But there are also rescues for small mammals and other pets,” said Sanford. “The next time you are thinking about purchasing a guinea pig, you can look into whether or not there are some that are adoptable and need a forever home.”

Llama Trek
The guinea pigs are part of a larger temporary exhibit called Llama Trek.

“Llama Trek is an emergent experience at the Minnesota Zoo where you are no longer in Minnesota,” explains Sanford. “You’ve been transported to the Andes Mountains and you’re learning about some of the wildlife and some of the conservation programs going on to help save wildlife.”

Llamas are a big part of the exhibit, but they aren’t the only attraction. You can also learn more about a large, flightless bird called a Rhea and wild chinchillas.

Right now the Brooklyn Park guinea pigs are enjoying a home that’s a miniature replica of Machu Picchu. After the exhibit closes on Labor Day, they will go back to Brooklyn Park to await adoption and a forever home.

To learn more about the Brooklyn Park rescue sanctuary called Piggy Haven, go to: http://www.piggyhaven.org/

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