Santa Barbara Zoo

Four Young Capybaras Make Zoo Debut

Four young capybaras are now on view at the Zoo. The four month-old siblings came from the Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The Zoo has exhibited capybaras for many years and the exhibit's previous occupants lived to be 13 years old, which is quite elderly, by capybara standards.

Capybaras, native to Central and South America, are the world's largest rodent species, growing up to four feet long and weighing more than 140 pounds. The Zoo's new capybaras are still relatively small at around 25 pounds and will continue to grow as they mature, up to more than 100 pounds.

Capybaras have long, coarse, reddish-brown fur and partially webbed feet for swimming. In the wild, they are found in ponds, lakes, rivers and swamps, where they eat grass and aquatic plants. At the Zoo, they are fed a mix of alfalfa, hay, lettuce, fruits and vegetables, plus a special rodent mineral and vitamin pellet.

Capybara populations are considered stable through much of their range, but hunting in some areas has reduced their numbers in the wild. They are also ranched for food in some regions.

Foster Feeder Special-Only Until May 31!
These adorable mammals are also available for sponsorship for yourself, or a great gift for a loved one! Visit our foster feeder page for more information.

Capy Video

Check out the swamp hogs' debut!