A Short Hamster History

Hamsters are small, furry rodents that have been kept as pets for many years. They are known for their energetic behavior, adorable looks, and their ability to fit in the palm of your hand. However, not many people know the history of the hamster and how it became one of the most popular pets in the world.

The first recorded discovery of the hamster was in 1839 by a British zoologist named George Robert Waterhouse. He found a female Syrian hamster in Aleppo, Syria and brought it back to London where he studied it. He named the species Cricetus auratus, but it was later changed to Mesocricetus auratus.

Syrian hamsters are the most common species of hamster kept as pets. They were originally found in the arid regions of Syria, Turkey, and Greece, where they lived in burrows in the desert. These hamsters were well adapted to the dry environment and were able to store food in their cheeks and hibernate during periods of drought.

The first hamsters to be kept as pets were captured by Israel Aharoni, a zoologist and biologist, in 1930 in Aleppo, Syria. He noticed that these hamsters were quite tame and decided to bring a few back to his laboratory in Jerusalem to study. He then began to breed them in captivity and sold them as pets. These hamsters were different from the wild hamsters, as they were docile and easy to handle.

Hamsters became popular as pets in the 1940s, after they were introduced to the United States by a zoologist named Albert Marsh. Marsh imported several hamsters from Syria and began breeding them. He sold them to pet stores and soon, they became a popular pet in America. The first breed of hamsters to be sold in pet stores was the Golden hamster, also known as the Syrian hamster.

In the 1960s, a new species of hamster was discovered in the deserts of Mongolia. This hamster was called the Djungarian hamster or the Siberian hamster. These hamsters were smaller than the Syrian hamster and had a more active personality. They were also able to tolerate colder temperatures, making them ideal pets for people living in colder climates.

Over the years, many species of hamsters have come to be kept as pets , including the Chinese hamster, the Roborovski hamster, and the Campbell's dwarf hamster. Each breed has its own unique personality and physical characteristics. Some hamsters are more active than others, some are more social, and some are easier to handle. No matter what species of hamster you have, our Halo carrier is the ultimate way to get your hamster outside. 

In conclusion, the history of the hamster is quite fascinating. From their discovery in Syria to their introduction as pets in America, hamsters have come a long way. Today, hamsters are one of the most popular pets in the world, thanks to their cute looks and playful personalities. Whether you prefer a Syrian hamster or a dwarf hamster, there is a hamster out there that is perfect for you.

 

If you like this article, check out our invention of the hamster wheel.

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