The vast majority of animals were domesticated more than 4,000 years ago, including llamas, silkworms, and honey bees. Since that time, fewer than fifty new animals have been domesticated. The animal most recently domesticated for companionship was the golden hamster, in 1930. The first golden hamster was captured in Syria and used as a lab animal.
More facts about animals:
- Among the first animals to be domesticated were dogs. It is estimated that dogs were first domesticated more than 16,000 years ago.
- The Aztec civilization kept turkeys as domestic fowl since well before the 14th century.
- Guinea pigs have been domesticated for over 7,000 years. They were used both for food and traditional medicine.