New capybara trio takes centre stage at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm!

We are delighted to announce the arrival of three new male capybaras! These adorable rodents have quickly settled into their new home, bringing plenty of excitement to the zoo’s visitors and our staff alike. Known for their friendly nature and love of water, the capybaras are already making a splash as they explore their surroundings and get to know their new friends.

These three capybara’s came from Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park and joined the zoo on Wednesday 28^th August 2024.

In recent years, capybaras have skyrocketed in popularity, becoming stars of both zoo exhibits and social media platforms. With their laid-back attitude and friendly interactions with other animals, it’s no wonder they’ve turned into social media sensations. Pictures and videos of capybaras lounging in hot springs, being groomed by monkeys, or simply relaxing by the water have gone viral, making these adorable giants an internet favourite.

Habitat: Where Do They Live?

Capybaras are native to South America, where they thrive in a variety of environments, particularly those near water. They can be found in countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina. These semi-aquatic mammals are often seen in and around rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. Their love for water is not just for fun; it’s essential to their survival.

With webbed feet and a strong ability to swim, capybaras are well-adapted to their watery homes. They often take to the water to cool down in the hot tropical climate and to escape predators. Did you know that Capybaras are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes? This skill helps them evade threats and also provides them with a way to relax and socialise with their group.

Characteristics of Capybaras

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, weighing between 50-60 kg (110-132 lbs) and measuring up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) in length. They have short, coarse fur that is usually brown to reddish-brown, which helps them blend into their surroundings. Their bodies are quite stocky and barrel-shaped, with webbed feet that aid in swimming.

One of the most remarkable things about capybaras is their social nature. These animals are highly social and are typically found in groups of 10-20 individuals. During the dry season, when water sources become scarce, groups can merge to form larger communities of up to 100 capybaras. Their social structure is based on a dominant male who leads the group, along with several females, their young, and a few more submissive males.

Capybaras communicate using a variety of sounds, including purring, whistling, barking, and clicking. These vocalisations help them stay in touch with one another, express emotions, and alert the group to potential dangers. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of grasses and aquatic plants. In zoos, their diet is supplemented with hay, fruits, and vegetables to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need.

Fun Facts About Capybaras

• Natural Lifeguards: Capybaras are incredible swimmers. They can stay underwater for several minutes, which helps them avoid predators. In fact, they often sleep in water, keeping only their noses above the surface!
• Nature’s Best Friend: Capybaras are often seen with other animals resting on them. Birds, monkeys, and even small mammals enjoy hanging out with capybaras, who seem to have no objections to sharing their space. This friendly behaviour has earned them the nickname "nature’s sofa."
• Unique Eating Habits: To maximize their nutrient intake, capybaras practice coprophagy – they eat their own faeces to re-digest food. This might sound strange, but it’s a common behaviour in the animal kingdom, especially among herbivores.
• Constant Chewers: Capybaras' teeth never stop growing. To prevent their teeth from becoming too long, they chew on tough vegetation, which keeps their teeth at a manageable length.
• Adorable Offspring: Baby capybaras, known as pups, are born fully furred and with their eyes open, looking like a perfect miniature. They can start grazing within days but continue to nurse from their mothers for about four months. Pups are incredibly cute and are often seen playing and exploring under the watchful eyes of the adults in the group.

Conservation Status and How You Can Help

Capybaras are currently classified as a species of least concern, but their habitats are under threat due to deforestation and human encroachment. The destruction of their natural environment could pose significant challenges to their populations in the future. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these gentle giants and ensure they continue to thrive in the wild.

Zoos play a vital role in capybara conservation by educating the public, participating in breeding programs, and supporting habitat preservation initiatives. By visiting zoos that are involved in these efforts, you can help support the conservation of capybaras and other wildlife.

You can also contribute to conservation efforts by supporting organizations that protect natural habitats, adopting sustainable practices, and spreading awareness about the importance of wildlife preservation.

Capybaras are truly remarkable animals, known for their gentle nature, social behaviour, and adaptability. Whether you’re observing them in a zoo or watching a viral video online, it’s easy to see why these animals have captured the hearts of so many. Their popularity is a reminder of the joy and wonder that the animal kingdom brings to our lives. So next time you visit the zoo, be sure to spend some time with the capybaras – you can find them in the Viva South America enclosure, which is opposite the Lion enclosure.