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Like humans, animals can become mummies. They might be preserved by accident in nature, or on purpose by people.
Ancient Egyptians mummified their favorite pets so they could go with their owners to the next life. There were other reasons to mummify animals. Some were thought to represent gods, so they were embalmed with extra care. Others were offerings to gods connected with the animal. And some were embalmed because they were sacred. Queen Isetemkheb lived 4,000 years ago. She was buried with her pet gazelle.