AusLeisure

Adelaide Zoo has welcomed the arrival of three male Capybaras from Sydney Zoo - brothers Iago and Iguazu, and Salvador.

As the largest rodents in the world, Capybaras hail from South America where they live in lowland forest and dense areas close to water. This herbivorous species maintains a diet of grasses and aquatic vegetation, as well as grains and fruit.

The Capybara habitat is complete with both land and pond areas, which will give visitors a chance to see the full range of Capybara behaviours, from their social structure to their natural adaptations that help them survive in the wild

Adelaide Zoo Curator, Deb Barry, says the zoo is thrilled to bring in the new year by welcoming these three new members to the zoo family and advised “we know people love Capybaras, they really are such an engaging species and one that we’re asked about frequently, so we’re very excited to be able to welcome this little trio to Adelaide Zoo.

“Being quite young and a closely bonded group, Iago, Iguazu and Salvador are quite playful and such fun to watch, both in and out of the water. They’ve got some growing to do yet so they’re currently about half the size of what they’ll grow to, and like many species, they’re that bit more active and inquisitive in their youth.”

Weighing between 35 to 66 kilograms, Capybara live in small family groups, led by a dominant male, with the other males serving as vigilant lookouts. Their high-set eyes, ears, and nostrils allow them to remain vigilant, even while submerged in water, keeping them safe from predators.

Their unique adaptations allow them to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. With webbed feet perfect for swimming and the ability to stay underwater for up to five minutes, Capybaras are perfectly suited for life by the water – but are also comfortable on land, where they can run at speeds of nearly 35 kilometres an hour.

Currently listed as an animal of least concern on the IUCN Red List, Capybaras are not at immediate threat of extinction with their numbers in the wild relatively stable; but like many species, they face the threat of continuing habitat loss.

The brothers will also be on habitat during Zoo Nights, which will be held on Friday 10th, 17th and 24th January.

With gates open until 8:30pm, Zoo Nights offers visits the opportunity to explore the Adelaide Zoo grounds by twilight.

For more information visit adelaidezoo.com.au/zoonights. 

Related Articles

17th December 2024 - Giant Pandas arrive at Adelaide Zoo

10th October 2024 - Adelaide Zoo’s African lions euthanised after Mujambi suffers medical episode

17th June 2024 - Adelaide Zoo to farewell Giant Pandas Fu Ni and Wang Wang

29th May 2024 - Adelaide Zoo marks 141 years with opening of original MInchin Directors’ home

2nd May 2024 - Adelaide Zoo and Illuminate Adelaide present ‘Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Nights’

1st March 2024 - Adelaide Zoo vets conduct full physical examination on Sumatran Tiger

26th February 2024 - Adelaide Zoo welcomes record nine joey Fat-tailed Dunnarts

17th January 2024 - Adelaide Zoo’s tiger cub Ketambe operated on to remove intestinal blockage

15th January 2024 - Adelaide Zoo keeps animals cool through recent heat wave

10th November 2023 - Adelaide Zoo welcomes Assistance Dogs for the first time  

16th October 2023 - Adelaide Zoo instals new wooden waterslides for otter enrichment

16th September 2023 - Adelaide Zoo spotlights International Red Panda Day

29th July 2023 - Adelaide Zoo marks International Tiger Day 2023

29th May 2023 - Adelaide Zoo spotlights achievements over 140 years

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.