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Like humans, animals can be preserved accidentally by nature, or by human hands.
Ancient Egyptians went to great lengths to mummify their favorite pets so they could accompany their owners to the afterlife, but they had other reasons to mummify animals. Some were considered representatives of gods, so they were embalmed with special care. Others were offerings to gods associated with the animal. And some were embalmed because they were considered sacred. Queen Isetemkheb, who lived 4,000 years ago, was buried with her pet gazelle.
