“Capybaraaa, capybara! Capybara, capybara” that has been my vocal stim whenever I see those big coconut dogs called Capybara. Yep, the internet named it. This was on my Tiktok algorithm for days. I mean, I can’t resist watching all those clips and pun edits of them.
I just found out how capybaras are so calm and cool, and can literally be friends with anyone. While others are afraid of crocodiles, these cute little capybaras are not embarrassed to hang out with them! The real social butterfly here huh? Here are some fun facts that you need to know about them!
1. Nomnom, leaves!
The word “capybara” is derived from a Tupi word called “ka’apiûara.” It has three parts: “ka á” meaning “leaf”, “píi” means “slender,” and “ú” as “eat” then added the suffix “-ara”. With that being said, capybara means “one who eats slender leaves” or a “grass-eater” indicating that they are herbivores.
Their diet consists of aquatic plants, grass, fruits, and a bark stripped from trees. Capybaras are kind of a picky-eater during different seasons. They eat one type of plant during dry season then a different food when it is during the wet season. And oh, they also eat their own waste. But before you disgustingly think about capybaras, know that their waste contains healthy bacteria and substances that help them break down the fiber they consume from munching grass. It’s like an infinite supply of food.
2. Rod, Roder, and the Rodest of all the Rodents!
Capybaras are world’s largest rodent and usually weighs like most humans do, around 77 to 150 pounds. Despite their large head and a chonky body, they can run as fast as 35 kilometers per hour. That is comparable to the speed of an average dog. Capys are also closely related to guinea pigs. Their feet are slightly webbed which made them a semi-aquatic animals (or a mermaid, perhaps). These give them the ability to wade through water and puddle in muddy, soft ground.
3. The Real Social Butterfly
Like many other rodents, they usually live in groups of 10-20. Typically, these groups include one dominant male, females, as well as their young. You can even rarely find a capybara traveling alone because they are social creatures (not a strong independent woman/man, ya know). In fact, they can literally be friends with anyone! An ENFP pride. Whether it’s a monkey, cat, rabbit, turtle, bird, or even a crocodile! If you know that one clip of a capybara riding a crocodile, then welcome to the club.
4. Not just a capy, but a chair in hand-y
Have you ever seen a picture of an animal riding a capybara? If not, then you are missing out. They are extremely friendly to the extent that they don’t mind other animals treating them as a chair. Most frequently, birds, but sometimes rabbits, and even monkeys, both in the wild and in zoos. Even pet capybaras let cats and dogs chill on their backs without complaint. They also don’t mind even us, humans pet and touch them. We stan an unbothered, unproblematic queen!
5. “Boy this capy talk, English, Spanish, and French”
By bilingual does not mean in language (obv), but “bilingual” in terms of noises. Capybaras are not just social but also very vocal. They can make different sounds of noises, chirps, and even barks! These serve as their means of communication, a warning to their group, and to protect themselves. You can hear their herd chirps almost as if they are singing. Capy talented!
Even though capybaras mostly live in the wild, it is legal to own capybaras as pets. But you have to keep in mind that keeping them as pets are expensive, and it also needs to have another capy to accompany them. Plus, they need a large space for them to go around. Good thing, capybaras don’t count as an endangered species, so let’s keep it that way! Capy slay!
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