Meet the Capy Crew
At Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, each capybara has a personality of its own:
- Phú & Quý – Energetic explorers who love heading out to the playground.
- Cát – A true relaxation expert; give her the right back scratch, and she’ll stretch out in pure bliss.
- Tường – The shy one, often retreating to a quiet corner when strangers are around.
Daily Care & Training
Capybaras are cared for using gentle, positive reinforcement training, where their favorite foods are used to encourage cooperation during routine health checks.
During grooming and gentle scratching sessions, keepers can:
- Observe dental condition
- Monitor body posture and behavior
- Ensure overall health and well-being
It’s a calm, trust-based approach, which is perfect for such easygoing animals.
Diet & Special Traits
Capybaras are herbivores, feeding mainly on:
- Elephant grass
- Hamin grass
- Leaves and fresh vegetables
An important detail: Their teeth grow continuously throughout life. This makes monitoring tooth wear and dental health especially important.
Life in a Group
In the wild, capybaras live in close-knit groups, often resting side by side and communicating through soft, almost whisper-like sounds. Despite their chubby appearance, they are strong swimmers, able to spend hours in the water to regulate their body temperature and stay safe from predators. In managed care, their habitat is thoughtfully maintained with clean pools and shaded areas to ensure their comfort and well-being.
More Than Just Cute
Caring for capybaras is a daily joy, as each individual reveals its own unique personality and emotions. If you have the chance, come visit Phú, Quý, Cát, and Tường at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens and meet these charming “diplomats” in person.
