Capybara
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris · Mammal, rodent
Meet them at our Fort Lauderdale cafe
- Native range
- Wetlands, riverbanks, and seasonally flooded grasslands across much of South America, always close to water.
- Size
- The largest rodent on Earth, standing up to about 2 feet at the shoulder and often weighing more than 100 pounds.
- Lifespan
- About six years on average in the wild, where jaguars, caimans, and anacondas hunt them, and up to twelve years in expert care, per San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Animal Diversity Web.
- Conservation
- IUCN Least Concern, though local populations face hunting and habitat pressure.
Little Learners Corner
Capybaras are the biggest rodents in the whole world, and they love swimming with their friends.
Say it like a scientist: HY-droh-KEER-us hy-droh-KAIR-iss
Where They Live
Capybaras are semi aquatic. They graze on land but rest, cool off, mate, and escape danger in the water, and their eyes, ears, and nostrils sit high on the head so they can float almost fully hidden.
What They Eat
Herbivore. Grasses and aquatic plants make up most of the menu, clipped by continuously growing front teeth built for a lifetime of grazing.
How They Live
Capybaras live in herds, usually a dominant male, several females, their young, and a few subordinate males. They talk constantly in purrs, clicks, whistles, and barks, and other species famously relax around them. Birds ride them. Turtles nap beside them.
Capybaras as Pets?
For almost everyone, no. A capybara needs swimming water, companions of its own kind, a lot of space, specialized veterinary care, and legal permission that many places will not give. Unprepared ownership is how exotic animals end up needing sanctuary care. Meet them, don't keep them.
Fun Facts
Capybaras can hold their breath underwater for several minutes and sleep in the water with just their nose above the surface.
Their scientific name roughly means water hog, and the common name comes from a word meaning grass eater.
Like rabbits, capybaras re-digest some of their food to squeeze every nutrient from tough grasses.
Capy Quiz: Prove It
What do capybaras do when danger appears?
People also ask: Can You Have a Capybara as a Pet in Florida?, Are Capybaras Friendly?, Do Capybaras Bite?, Why Are Capybaras So Calm?, What Do Capybaras Eat?, How Big Do Capybaras Get?, Can Capybaras Swim?, Where Can I Pet a Capybara in Florida?
Keep exploring: Hedgehog came before this, Fennec Fox is next, or head back to the full Animal Encyclopedia.
Fort Lauderdale Is Now Booking
The Fort Lauderdale booking calendar is open. Reserve your spot now, or book at our St. Augustine or St. Petersburg locations today.