Capybara

HYDROCHOERUS HYDROCHAERIS

The Brandywine Zoo’s capybara, Candace was originally a relinquished pet and was first acquired by Franklin Park Zoo. She then moved to Elmwood Park Zoo and finally came to the Brandywine Zoo on July 2, 2014. Because she was formerly a pet, we do not know her exact birth date, but we estimate it to be December 1, 2011.

THREATS & CONSERVATION

This species is severely threatened by hunting. Occasionally, they are illegally poached for meat, pelts, and because they graze competitively with livestock.

Fun Facts

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodent

Capybaras are Crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They spend the middle of the day, the hottest part of the day, in the water.

Their front legs are slightly shorter than their hind legs

Capybaras have webbed feet

Their latin names Hydrochoerus and hydrochaeris both mean “water pig”

Capybaras have at least seven distinct vocalizations including guttural purrs from infants and young, alarm barks, clicks, squeaks, whistles, and grunts.