Meet the Adorable Baby Capybaras at Clearwater Aquarium—Don’t Miss Out!

Clearwater, Florida, USA - The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is thrilled to host a delightful group of baby capybaras until July 20. These furry creatures are the world’s largest rodent, hailing from the lush landscapes of South America. As one of nature’s friendliest animals, capybaras offer a unique opportunity for visitors to engage closely, thanks to special „up close“ tickets available for purchase. This is the second consecutive year that local wildlife enthusiast Brian Braitsch, president of Amazing Animals in St. Cloud, Florida, has introduced these charismatic rodents to aquarium visitors.

This sibling group, consisting of one female named Daisy and three males—Orchid, Bluebell, and Bud—arrived at the aquarium about nine weeks ago, quickly delighting all who come to see them. Visitors are free to observe the capybaras in their pen, but for those wishing to feed or pet them, a small fee is required. It’s a charming way to connect with these fascinating animals.

Cuddly Creatures of the Waters

Capybaras, part of the genus Hydrochoerus, thrive in semiaquatic environments ranging from Panama to Argentina. Their egg-shaped bodies, webbed feet, and charming behaviors, including vocalizations reminiscent of bird calls, make them particularly endearing. According to Britannica, they can weigh up to 79 kg (174 pounds) and measure about 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) in length. That’s quite a large rodent, indeed! These sociable animals usually live in groups of 10 to 20, often basking under the cover of trees or lounging in water to stay cool.

One can’t help but marvel at their unique social structure; capybaras are matriarchal and engage in playful wrestling and vocal disagreements that highlight their strong community ties. They are not just a pretty face; their diet mainly consists of grasses and aquatic plants, and they’re known to perform coprophagy, which is a fancy way to say they eat their own feces to maximize nutrient intake.

The Capybara Chillout Experience

For those interested in experiencing the Capybara Chillout event, the aquarium’s setting provides a picturesque backdrop for meeting these wonderful creatures. Capybaras can hold their breath underwater for about five minutes, making them excellent swimmers who use water for a host of activities—from drinking and cooling down to restroom needs and breeding.

Despite their large size, they can move quickly to escape predators such as jaguars and anacondas. Additionally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources classifies capybaras as species of least concern, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the charm of these gentle giants.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium invites everyone to partake in this remarkable experience, providing a wonderful educational opportunity while highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation. Whether it’s feeding Daisy or petting Bud, spending time with these amiable capybaras is bound to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun through July 20!

For more about the capybara and its habitat, visit See the Wild.