Bratislava Zoo welcomes capybaras
Bratislava Zoo has expanded its collection with a new species of animal – a pair of young capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the world's largest rodent. The capybaras have already arrived at the Bratislava Zoo and are gradually settling into their new home. However, visitors will not yet see them in the outdoor exhibit, because low temperatures do not allow them to stay safely outdoors.
Capybaras come from tropical areas of South America, where temperatures are higher year-round. As a result, they have not developed adaptations for longer winters during their evolution – their fur is adapted to drying quickly, not maintaining body heat. Therefore, they cannot retain heat effectively, and cold weather can harm them very quickly. During the winter, they therefore need to stay in a warm indoor environment that is not accessible to visitors.
They have stable heat, a swimming pool and a peaceful environment to gradually get to know their keepers. The winter period is ideal for such an adaptation, as it allows the animals to develop a relationship and trust between them and their keepers before the busier outdoor environment full of new stimuli awaits them in the spring.
The exhibit, where the capybaras will live during the season, is located next to the pigmy hippos. They were recently moved to a new, larger enclosure right next door, which provides them with better conditions for breeding. The space after them was modified to meet the natural needs of the capybaras – with a water area, dry places to rest and vegetation to graze. Two 8-month-old females arrived in Bratislava from the Prague Zoo.
Bratislava Zoo continues to modernize its facilities and enrich its collection with new, interesting species. The capybaras will gradually begin to appear in the outdoor enclosure when it warms up enough in the spring and it is safe for them. However, visitors can already symbolically adopt them and support their care.
You can adopt capybaras (Bubi and Letty) and support their care HERE.