Capybara
Hydrochoerus hydrochaerisGeographic Region: Native to South America, they can be found along grassy, swampy areas surrounding ponds, marshes and lakes
Isn’t it Wild? Meet the capybara, the largest rodent in the world! These famous semi-aquatic mammals are built for life both on land and in the water, making them incredible swimmers. While capybaras aren’t currently endangered, they face growing challenges in the wild due to deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal poaching.
Details
Length: 3-4 ft.
Weight: 60-170 lbs
Variety of grasses and hay as well as leafy greens
Least concern
Faces of the Rainforest
Exhibit information
Journey to the Amazon rainforest! Do you hear that sound? That’s a howler monkey’s call, often heard at a distance of up to two or three miles away!
Some of the fascinating creatures you’ll discover in the Zoo’s awe-inspiring Faces of the Rainforest exhibit include some of your old favorites like the giant anteater, Chilean flamingos, and white-faced saki monkeys. Whether you’re interacting with toucans and troupials (troupials are a large passerine bird species found in Central America and tropical South America) inside the exhibit’s free-flight aviary or viewing a massive anaconda and stunning tropical fish, this immersive wildlife experience will take you on a journey to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest. Visitors will discover how these diverse species—big and small—create the complex ecosystem on which rainforests thrive, and what we can all do to ensure their survival.
Did you know that 80% of rainforest deforestation is caused by agriculture? Natural habitat is being destroyed to clear land for ranches and plantations. But simply by choosing to purchase sustainably grown products, you can make a difference.
One way to help protect the rainforest is to “Follow the Frog”! Just look for the Rainforest Alliance seal on products ranging from bananas and chocolate to coffee and flowers. Click HERE for a list of Rainforest Alliance certified products
