MIAMI (WSVN) - Several capybaras made their debut at Jungle Island in Miami.
The South Florida landmark introduced three new baby capybaras.
“They are semi-aquatic. You can kind of see with their feet, they have these really cute webbed feet, which is also kind of crazy when you think about it because even though they have these webbed feet, they can run up to 25 – 30 miles per hour,” said Jungle Island’s Animal Care Supervisor Alexandria Macaluso.
Only a month old, the natively South American herbivores will not stay small for long and will eventually weigh up to 150 pounds.
Studies say capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and have a connection to a similar buck-toothed brother.
“They’re like beavers in that sense because they’re both rodents. They have teeth that constantly grow so they have to chew on stuff all the time. Which is also why you don’t want them as pets, they’re going to destroy everything. They’re like ‘Oh? Is that wood? Destroyed,'” said Macaluso.
Despite their big size, capybaras are famously social and gentle. Some people call them the world’s friendliest animal.
“When they really, really like their pets and you hit a really, really good spot on a capybara, their hair is going to stand up completely,” said Macaluso.
For the next few weeks, these baby capybaras will get familiarized with their new home. They will receive specialized care until they are ready for encounters with their new South Florida friends.
Also during these weeks, the capybaras will eat lots of food.
“So they’re going to be eating lettuce, they’re going to be eating fruits, veggies. They’re not going to be eating meat so that means the encounters are very safe,” said Macaluso.
Jungle Island is currently searching for names for their new baby capybaras and are holding a contest on Instagram.
The winners will receive a private and up close experience with adult capybaras as well as tickets to an acrobatics show.
The show attracts people and animals alike!
“Yes! Look at you go! Did you want to go to the Nalu show? I think you could do it. I think you could actually audition,” said Macaluso.
Winners will be revealed on Dec. 23.
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