Meet the everyone’s Favourite Animal at Howletts Wild Animal Park This Half Term!
Our fan-favourites at Howletts Wild Animal Park are taking relaxation to a whole new level. Say hello to our adorable capybaras, the world’s largest rodents and officially some of the chillest animals you’ll ever meet.
Whether they’re sunbathing in the grass, splashing in their pool or sneaking into the anteater house for midnight mischief, our capybaras have quickly become a must-see for families visiting Howletts this May half term.
Visit the capybaras: Kids go for £10Meet the Howletts Capybara Crew
You’ll find our original trio of capybaras in the South American paddock, just a short stroll from the Gatehouse, where they live alongside giant anteaters Zet and Fidji.
The Friendly One
Georgio the friendly male loves a scratch while snacking on his favourite treat, sweet potato.
The Cuddly One
Spud enjoys the occasional belly rub as long as you don’t move too quickly.
The Quiet One
Jane, named after our Head of Veterinary Services Jane Hopper, prefers to admire visitors from a safe distance!
The trio are usually found lounging in the sunshine or hiding among the long pampas grass, living life at their own wonderfully relaxed pace. Although, after dark, they do have a habit of sneaking into the anteater house to leave some unwanted surprises behind…
New Capybaras Have Arrived!
This spring, the capybara family got even bigger with the arrival of two younger females, Tchin-Tchin and Grumpy, who joined us from Belgium in April.
At just 7 and 9 months old, they’re much smaller than the older trio and full of playful energy. You’ll find them opposite the deer park near the dik-dik enclosure, where they spend most of their day diving into their giant purpose-built swimming pool, wrestling in the water and climbing all over each other.
Tchin-Tchin is bold, curious and puppy-like, often running straight up to keepers at feeding time, while Grumpy lives up to her name a little more and prefers to take her time getting to know people. Although she’s slowly warming up to tickles!
Watch this space too, because we’re hoping to welcome a young male to the new herd very soon.
Tchin-Tchin and Grumpy © Lydia Cameron
Capybara Fun Facts!
Capybaras might look like giant guinea pigs, and that’s because they’re actually closely related!
Here are some amazing capybara facts to discover during your visit:
Rodents of Unusual Size
Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and can weigh up to 75kg
Take a Deep Breath
They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes
Semi-Aquatic
Their partially webbed feet help them glide through rivers and lakes in the wild
Veggie Diet
Capybaras are herbivores and enjoy grasses, fruit, bark and aquatic plants
Everyone's Friend
They’re famous for being incredibly calm and social animals
The Perfect Family Day Out in Kent
If you’re searching for fun things to do in Kent this May half term, a visit to Howletts Wild Animal Park is packed with unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Alongside our lovable capybaras, you can meet Kent’s only elephant herd, spot baby gorilla Lekedi, explore Animals of the Ice Age and enjoy all the family fun of Springfest 2026.
With kids’ tickets just £10 throughout half term, there’s never been a better time to visit.
So come and see why everyone is falling in love with capybaras at Howletts!
