As Spanish explorers explored South America at the beginning of the 16th century, chinchillas and their plush fur became known to the world. As pets, pet chinchillas have become one of the favorites and the easiest to keep. With their active, playful and curious nature, the presence of a chinchilla is always fun and amusing; and care for them is usually simple and easy. Their thick fur became known as rich and fluffy, and since their discovery, the world has shown keen interest in its incredibly soft coat.
Compared to other animals, chinchilla fur is unique, because instead of having only 1 hair per follicle, they have over 60. This creates a dense but velvety soft layer about one inch thick that helps isolate chinchillas from extreme temperatures in their the natural environment. Since their habitat is arid, animals have adapted to water scarcity, resorting to dust baths, to maintain cleanliness. They frolic in fine volcanic dust to the groom, because he absorbs extra moisture, gases, dirt and excess oil, keeping their coat clean and shiny. Such characteristics fascinate those who are interested in Schinz. The wonders of many people with fur include its longevity as well as its ability to keep them warm in cold weather. And no matter how thick the skin is, the touch and feeling is luxuriously pleasant. Interesting fact: like a dust bathing chinchilla, the coat of chinchilla is cleaned with powdered talcum powder. Such distinctive features made it possible for chinchillas to become symbols of a luxurious and lavish lifestyle.
Even in ancient times, the tribes of the Andaman Mountains considered the chinchilla’s hornet something different. Historical Spanish documents have documented how these ancient tribes in South America take full advantage of chinchilla animals. The name of the creature literally means “Little Chincha”, referring to the members of the Chincha tribe found in parts of the Andean mountains. Over time, the tribe was ever captured by the Incas. They have been known to feast on chinchilla meat, using their rich fur as decorations and carpets; while nobles used them as coats.
When the conquistadors (the Spanish term for “explorer”) returned to Spain, they bought chinchilla studs as gifts to the nobles and the royal courts. Soon enough, most of Europe and North America did, fueling the trade in chinchilla fur, which continues today. Unfortunately, by the end of the century, chinchillas in the wild had become an endangered species, their fur became rare. For the manufacture of one layer requires at least 80 to 150 chinchillas. Recently, to save these creatures from extinction, Chile managed to outlaw the hunt for chinchillas. In 1983, a protected nation was created de las Chinchillas, Chile. However, even earlier, conservation efforts in the 1920s were put in place. 11 wild specimens were captured and brought to North America for study, breeding, and agriculture.
Although chinchilla fur farms were cut off in the United States, many human rights activists and animal rights activists have rallied against inhuman conditions and practices in these places. Chinchillas are bred for the sole purpose of their fur in both screaming and very small areas, as well as cutting with electric current or clicking the spine before removing them from the coat. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), in particular, believed that these farms are closed; and the practice of using fur has stopped.
However, trade in chinchilla fur continues. In addition to specialty stores selling furs, coats and hides, there are websites where interested customers can visit chinchilla furs. Businesses like Canchilla Associates and Kaufmanfurs offer varieties that differ from the standard blue-gray chinchilla. There are chinchilla studs available in brown and white.
