Capybaras are gaining in popularity and zoos are finally discovering that people enjoy seeing them. I frequently set aside zoo announcements I stumble upon, but it’s time to clean house. This first one is a fun article, but only if your browser translates it from the Japanese. Mine does, so here is your courtesy translation. Apparently, this capybara was kept as a pet until it escaped and then was taken in by a zoo. Did I get that right? I’m sure this is a catchy title in Japanese.
Hiratsuka to be included in the supplementary budget plan by the city
Kanagawa Shimbun | Sunday, August 30, 2020 05:00
After wandering around the Shonan area for half a year, the city will begin to develop an exhibition booth in the park to unveil the capybara “Kappi” that was taken over by the “Fureai Zoo” in Hiratsuka City General Park. The city budgeted about 6.2 million yen in the 2020 general account supplementary budget as a maintenance project in the park, including the cost of designing a booth for capybara, and submitted it to the September regular meeting of the city council, which opened on the 28th.
Capybara’s “Kappi” protected at the “Fureai Zoo” in Hiratsuka City General Park (photographed on February 4)
Capybara was kept as a pet in Fujisawa City, but escaped in June last year. At one point, he settled in a riverbed in Chigasaki City and was nicknamed “Kappi.” After that, he wandered around the Shonan area, was captured in Oiso Town in January, and was taken over by the Petting Zoo.
The new exhibition booth will be a renovation of the pond in the park. Currently, waterfowl such as ducks are bred, but in the future, they will entertain visitors by “living together” with Kappi.
In November last year, two women from outside the city donated 20 million yen, saying, “I want you to use it for the petting zoo.” The city will use part of the donation to complete the exhibition booth by the end of next year.
Kappi is currently in good health, but a city official explained, “The wandering period is long and when you see a human, you run away immediately. Now you are getting used to it little by little.”
Here is a link to the article: 「カッピー」のおうち整備へ 市が補正予算案に計上 平塚 | 話題 | カナロコ by 神奈川新聞
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Here is another Japanese zoo with what could be the largest breeding herd of capybaras outside South America! Old article, but worth a look. Don’t miss the video! (Slightly risqué, but probably safe for work)
[House De Tokushima Zoo] 3rd Capybara
4/30
Introducing the animals at Tokushima Zoo, which is closed due to the spread of the new corona infection. The third is Capybara.
Type: Capybara
Body length 106-134 cm
Weight 35-65 kg
The movement of Tokushima Zoo, which is closed due to the spread of the new corona infection
Capybara, which is widely distributed around the Amazon River basin on the east coast of South America and has a habitat on the warm waters, has the largest body in the rodents but has a very gentle personality. He is very good at swimming, and gracefully swims in the pond in the park with the webbing between his fingers. You can also dive in the water for more than 5 minutes when you sense a danger.
Tokushima Zoo first introduced three capybaras, named males “Kapita” and females “walnuts” and “Hana” and started growing them in the savanna. Since its introduction, several babies have been born every year, and now it is said to be one of the largest capybara breeding farms in Japan with a total of about 80 babies. Enjoy the unique appearance of Tokushima Zoo when a large number of capybaras are flirting with each other and swimming.
Link to the article: 【おうちＤｅとくしま動物園】第３回 カピバラ｜PICKUPニュース｜徳島新聞
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As happens so often in zoo situations, this is an arranged marriage between two unacquainted capybaras. We wish them well.
Capybara Pair Added to County Zoo Family
The Cape May County Zoo is excited to announce two new arrivals, Budette, a 5-year-old female capybara who arrived from Cleveland Metropark Zoo in July, and Mikey, a 6-year-old male who came last week from Sedwick County Zoo in Kansas.
These two capybaras are the latest couple at the zoo. (Photo courtesy Cape May County)
The pair were recommended by the Species Survival Plan and they seem to be getting along very well, according to a county news release.
Mercifully, this article is in English. Sadly, they are referred to as “pig-shaped.” Link to article: Capybara Pair Added to County Zoo Family | Sea Isle News
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They have capybaras in Tasmania!
Newborn capybaras bring joy to Tasmania Zoo staff
April 24 2020
It’s been a difficult time for Tasmania Zoo – but three newborn capybaras have provided a very cute distraction for staff.
The babies are fitting in well with the group. (Photo: Paul Scambler)
Follow the link to read the article.
Source: Newborn capybaras bring joy to Tasmania Zoo staff
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The St. Louis Zoo celebrated a birthday. Happy Birthday, Aspen! Nice cake, but I bet he picked the tiny piece of corn off the top and ate it first.
Saint Louis Zoo capybara celebrates first birthday
A Saint Louis Zoo capybara received five-star treatment to celebrate his first birthday Tuesday.
Aspen, the 70-pound male capybara was treated to his favorite snacks, melon and corn, to celebrate his special day.
According to Aspen’s keeper Daniel Schneider, the capybara became a resident at the Zoo a couple of months ago and is settling well into his home to the River’s Edge habitat.
Link to the article: Saint Louis Zoo capybara celebrates first birthday
Pictures: Gatorland Baby Capybaras
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Ben & Jerry, Gatorland’s new baby capybaras (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)
Gatorland recently got two baby capybaras, Ben & Jerry.
Link to article: Pictures: Gatorland Baby Capybaras
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Looking for a zoo near you with capybaras? Check this out, and please let me know if I need to update my list. Things change rapidly!
Dobby the Capybara 