Two gerbils found discarded in a dumpster in November are now available for adoption at the Guelph Humane Society, but the organization is still looking for information about how they got there.

“We are looking for the public’s assistance to help find the person or people who did this,” Ontario SPCA agent Megan Swan said in a Guelph Humane Society news release.

The two female gerbils were discovered in separate cages in a temporary dumpster at 186 Fife Rd. on Nov. 27. They appeared to have been tossed into the dumpster, the release said.

They were brought into the Guelph animal shelter on Dec. 1.

The animals are both in good condition, despite having been exposed to cold temperatures for an unknown length of time. The temperature on the day they were found was 1 C, and an ideal temperature for gerbils is 22 C or warmer, the release said.

“We need to understand how and why the gerbils ended up in the dumpster,” Swan said.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is being asked to contact the humane society at 519-824-3091 or call 310-SPCA (7722) immediately.

In the meantime, the gerbils, named Nessa and Nienna, are listed among the animals available for adoption at guelphhumane.ca.

The Guelph Humane Society is reminding the community that if you or someone you know is unable to care for an animal, they should call the organization at the number above, or email intake@guelphhumane.ca.

“The humane society is here to help individuals or families that can no longer care for their pets for any reason,” the release said.