NEW ZEALAND EXTINCT MUTATION BREED
The Bonnet pedigree New Zealand guinea pig breed was declared extinct in 2024 after nearly two decades of being lost to the fancy. However, today there is new hope. A recent, miraculous find has changed everything. With the sudden discovery of a surviving Bonnet, a collaborative preservation project is now officially underway to rescue and rebuild this unique Kiwi pedigree breed for future generations.
The ultimate goal of this preservation project is to breed a stable, healthy population, with the hope of officially upgrading their status from "extinct" to "rare" when the time is right. It is the beginning of a new dawn for one of New Zealand's most unique pedigree cavies.
The Whangārei Mutation
Developed in the late 1990s by cavy judge Ethel McKeown (Nemora Cavies) in Whangārei, the Bonnet was a true New Zealand innovation born from a spontaneous genetic mutation. It was a breed defined by 'organised chaos' a complex coat of reverse hair growth, ruffles, and rosettes that culminated in its signature 'bonnet' of hair falling gracefully over the eyes.
The Danger of Extinction
For over 15 years, the Bonnet completely vanished from the New Zealand cavy scene, serving as a sobering reminder of how easily our homegrown Kiwi breeds can be lost forever without a dedicated recovery platform. Now, with a surviving cavy found, this historic chapter is being rewritten. It highlights the vital importance of dedicated preservation breeders stepping in to rescue our rarest, most vulnerable Kiwi bloodlines before they disappear from history completely.
BREAKING NEWS FROM THE SHOW BENCH
A Bonnet cavy officially appeared in the Pet Section at the combined New Zealand Cavy Club and Capital Cavy Club shows in Foxton! This is the incredible, real-time discovery that has changed everything for the breed.
While one single cavy does not save a breed—meaning the Independent Cavy Clubs will not be changing the Bonnet's official "extinct" status just yet, there is immense hope on the horizon. The boar's owner Michelle and our team member Olivia are officially joining forces to try and bring the Bonnet breed back to life using this special boar.
This grassroots conservation effort will require several generations of careful, highly specialized breeding. Please watch this space for future updates and join us in wishing Michelle and Olivia the very best of luck on this exciting journey!
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