Celeste

Celeste was rescued in partnership with the Animal Legal Defense Fund from a roadside zoo in Pennsylvania with her sister Claudia and another cavy named Pierre in spring of 2026. The three cavies arrived at Black Pine having been exposed to parasites for the majority of their lives, having neurological damage as a consequence. Celeste relies on her sister Claudia for guiding purposes as she has significant vision loss due to the parasite exposure. That said, she has settled into Sanctuary life beautifully, sharing her habitat with Claudia.

Fun Facts:

Cavies are most active during the day, and are still alert at night – a defensive mechanism developed because of the many predators who prey upon them in the wild. Their long ears not only help them hear well, they also serve to increase their body surface to help cool them in hot weather.