Meet Our New Friends: Capybaras Join the Family at Johnson's Zoo

We are thrilled to announce a delightful new addition to the Johnson's of Old Hurst Zoo family – Capybaras! These gentle giants are the world's largest rodents and they have already won our hearts with their charming personalities and endearing social behaviour.

Welcome to the World of Capybaras

Capybaras, native to South America, are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle and affinity for water. They inhabit regions near rivers, lakes, and swamps in countries like Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina. Here at Johnson's of Old Hurst, we have recreated a naturalistic habitat to make our capybaras feel right at home, complete with plenty of water to splash around in and lush vegetation for grazing.

Getting to Know Our Capybaras

Our new capybara family includes a group of playful individuals, each with their unique quirks and traits. Capybaras are highly social animals, living in groups and exhibiting strong bonds with their peers. Visitors can often see them lounging together, grooming one another, or taking a refreshing dip in the water.

Measuring up to 134 cm in length and weighing between 35 to 66 kg, capybaras are impressive creatures. Despite their size, they are gentle and approachable, making them a favourite among zoo visitors of all ages. Their diet primarily consists of grasses and aquatic plants, which our team ensures is readily available to keep them happy and healthy.

Why Capybaras?

Bringing capybaras to our zoo was a natural choice. Their calm demeanour and interactive nature provide a unique opportunity for our visitors to learn about these fascinating animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. We aim to educate and inspire conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting wildlife.

Come Visit Our New Residents

We invite you to come and meet our new capybara family at Johnson's of Old Hurst. Whether you're a life long zoo enthusiast or visiting for the first time, our capybaras are sure to captivate you with their friendly and curious nature. Don't forget to bring your camera – you won't want to miss capturing a moment with these adorable new residents!

Join us in welcoming our capybaras and experience the joy they bring to our zoo. We look forward to seeing you soon!