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Brookfield Zoo has welcomed dozens

of unique animals lately. Some of them

came from other zoos and aquariums

and others were born or hatched here.

We asked our curators for some

of their favorites.

World’s Capybara PACHYDERM
Largest Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Rodent Sex: Two females, one male

Arrival: July 2021, donation from Montgomery Zoo in Alabama
Native habitat: South America; rain forests and savannahs near
bodies of water

Facts: Capybaras grow 39 to 51 inches long and weigh from 110 to 135 pounds.
Like other rodents—including mice, squirrels, guinea pigs, and beavers—their teeth
never stop growing. Their constant gnawing on grasses, fruits, fallen leaves, and
woody plants grinds down their teeth. They are semi-aquatic, meaning they spend
much of their lives in and near water, and their bodies are adapted for it. Their
webbed feet make them great swimmers and they can stay completely submerged
under water for up to five minutes to hide from jaguars and other predators. Also,
because their eyes and nose are set high on their head, they can swim through water
with only these parts poking out.

BROOKFIELD ZOO | SPRING 2022 25