A surprising discovery along the northern coastline of Jersey has left animal rescuers puzzled: a group of guinea pigs was spotted roaming freely near the cliffs.
The unusual sighting occurred near Devil’s Hole, where a walker reported seeing several of the animals moving through thick brambles and gorse.
An Unusual Rescue Call
The report was received by the Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) early Tuesday morning.
According to head of service delivery Katie Kay, rescuers were surprised by the situation.
Finding six domestic guinea pigs living in the wild is something staff rarely encounter.
“We definitely don’t normally get calls for six guinea pigs out in the wild,” Kay said.
At first, rescuers could see the animals darting between bushes but struggled to catch them.
Volunteers Track the Animals
Rescuers arrived at the scene around 9:00 a.m. and spent hours monitoring the animals as they moved through the vegetation.
By midday, volunteers managed to safely capture three of the six guinea pigs.
The team continued searching the area, waiting patiently for the remaining animals to emerge from hiding.
Risks in the Wild
Because guinea pigs are domesticated animals, surviving outdoors can be extremely dangerous.
Along Jersey’s north coast, the animals face threats from:
- dogs and cats
- birds of prey
- rough terrain near cliff paths
Rescuers also noted that the guinea pigs had wandered close to a field containing sheep.
Given these dangers, the animals’ safety was a top priority for the rescue team.
What Happens Next
The guinea pigs that have already been caught are being taken back to the JSPCA shelter.
There, veterinarians will check their health before deciding what should happen next — which could include rehabilitation and rehoming.
Meanwhile, volunteers are continuing the search for the remaining animals.
For now, the biggest mystery remains how the guinea pigs ended up roaming the cliffs in the first place. 🐹