A Unique New Zealand Guinea Pig Mutation Breed
The Bonnet pedigree NZ guinea pig breed was declared extinct in 2024 after nearly decades of being disappeared, but today, there is new hope. A recent find has changed everything. With the discovery of a surviving Bonnet, a collaborative preservation project is now underway to rescue and rebuild this unique kiwi pedigree breed with ruffles, rosettes and reverse growing hair for future generations.
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 growth and ruffles that culminated in its signature 'bonnet' of hair over the eyes.
For over 15 years, the Bonnet vanished from the New Zealand cavy scene, serving as a sobering reminder of how easily our NZ breeds can be lost without a 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 Kiwi bloodlines.
In conclusion, while the Bonnet's official status remains "extinct" for now, this incredible discovery has sparked a journey of revival. The ultimate goal of this preservation project is to breed a stable, healthy population, with the hope of officially upgrading their status 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.
Exciting News from the Foxton Shows! - Post from club FB group
A Bonnet cavy appeared in the Pet Section at the New Zealand Cavy Club and Capital Cavy Club shows yesterday! This is incredible news, as the Bonnet breed was previously declared extinct.
While one single cavy does not save a breed - meaning we will not be changing the Bonnet's official "extinct" status just yet - there is 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 using this special boar.
This conservation effort will take several generations of careful breeding. Please watch this space for updates and join us in wishing Michelle and Olivia the very best of luck on this exciting journey!
