Watch This Cute Chinchilla Literally Jump Off the Walls With Excitement

Which species in the animal kingdom should be considered for the “natural parkour expert” award? Look no further than the chinchilla, nature’s speedy acrobat! The video below is filled to the brim with a particularly wound-up critter whose favorite hobby is leaping around like crazy. Not only are his moves quick and elegant, but it also seems like he’s trying to open the door. How’s that for rodent cleverness?

Watch the Antics in Action

Chinchillas are very popular exotic pets, and for good reason. These animals are energetic as they are fluffy, and they bond with their owners very well. It’s important to understand how to care for these unusual companions to ensure they live happy, healthy lives. As long as their core needs are addressed, they can make an amazing addition to any family!

Let’s try our best to keep up with this zany creature and take a closer look at what powers their springy antics.

Are Chinchillas Rodents?

A glance at a chinchilla may remind you of a squirrel or mouse. That thought isn’t too far off, as they are indeed all related. As rodents, chinchillas have many hallmark features including permanently growing teeth and fast metabolisms. They also share a sharp intellect and advanced social behaviors, making them adoring social animals and pets alike.

Did you know that these cuddly critters are native to South America? While they once were found throughout Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, overhunting has limited them to a small range in Chile alone. Due to having the densest fur found in a land mammal, they’ve been sought after for centuries. Recent conservation efforts have worked to eliminate this threat, though, and have seen some recovery. Despite this, chinchillas in the wild are currently considered endangered by the IUCN.

Are Chinchillas Prone to Stress?

Alas, with all of that built-in excitability, these animals are very sensitive to environmental stressors. For example, they’ll throw a fit if other chinchillas get fed before they do. Dietary imbalances or changes will also upset them easily, so they’ll need to stay on top of healthy eating at all times (no cheat days!). Lastly, their weakness to heat doesn’t help them out either. Because they are covered in so much fur, their tiny bodies can overheat extremely quickly, making climate control a must. In other words, these guys really appreciate fans and air conditioning, unless they’re living somewhere that’s already cool and dry.

Even with all of that said, chinchillas are a doting species and can make for fantastic companions. If the challenge of taking care of one of these quirky critters sounds about right, please check out our guide on how to make the right call!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © PawelPonichtera/Shutterstock.com