Capybaras:
Meet the World's Largest Rodents at Howletts
If you've spent any time online recently, chances are you've come across a capybara. Whether they're relaxing in a hot spring, making friends with unlikely animals or simply looking wonderfully unbothered by the world around them, capybaras have become one of the internet's favourite animals.
But did you know you can meet these gentle giants right here in Kent?
As part of Summer Roar 2026, Howletts Wild Animal Park is celebrating Capybara Week (20th-26th July) with themed talks, activities and plenty of opportunities to meet our much-loved capybara family. Combined with half-price kids' tickets throughout the summer holidays, there's never been a better time to discover why everyone is talking about the world's largest rodent.
Whether you're planning a family day out in Kent or simply want to learn some fun capybara facts, here's everything you need to know about these fascinating South American animals.
Book now: half price kids' tickets
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What Is a Capybara?
A capybara is the world's largest rodent, although it's probably nothing like the tiny mice or hamsters you might imagine.
Native to South America, capybaras live near rivers, lakes and wetlands, where they spend much of their day swimming, grazing and relaxing with their family groups. Adults can grow to over a metre long and weigh as much as a grown adult human.
Their slightly sleepy expression, webbed feet and love of water have made them one of the most recognisable animals in the world, and one of the most popular with children.
If you're wondering "What is a capybara?", think of a giant guinea pig that loves swimming and spending time with friends!
10 Amazing Capybara Facts Your Kids Will Love
Capybaras may look laid-back, but they're full of surprises!
1.
They're the World's Largest Rodents
Capybaras are members of the rodent family, making them distant relatives of guinea pigs, beavers and squirrels. Despite their size, they're gentle herbivores that spend most of their time eating grasses and aquatic plants.
2.
They're Brilliant Swimmers
Capybaras have partially webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers. Water isn't just somewhere to cool off, it's where they feel safest.
3.
They Can Stay Underwater for Several Minutes
Need to escape danger? Capybaras can disappear beneath the surface for up to five minutes, often leaving just their noses above the water while they wait for predators to move on.
4.
They Love Living in Groups
Capybaras are incredibly social animals and are happiest living together. In the wild, groups often include 10 to 20 individuals, although even larger gatherings can be found during the dry season.
5.
They Have Lots of Different Voices
Although they often look calm and quiet, capybaras communicate using whistles, purrs, squeaks, barks and chirps to stay in touch with one another.
6.
They're Closely Related to Guinea Pigs
It's hard to believe when you see one in person, but guinea pigs are among the capybara's closest relatives.
7.
They Spend Plenty of Time Relaxing
One reason capybaras have become internet superstars is their wonderfully relaxed nature. They're often seen lounging in the sunshine or resting beside the water, making them a favourite with visitors.
8.
They Have Eyes That Help Them Stay Alert
Their eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on their heads, allowing them to stay almost completely underwater while still keeping watch over their surroundings.
9.
They Only Eat Plants
Capybaras are herbivores, enjoying grasses, leaves, fruit and aquatic plants throughout the day.
10.
Every Capybara Has Its Own Personality
Just like people, every capybara is different. Some are curious and confident, while others are a little more reserved.
Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Capybaras?
Capybaras have become global social media stars, and it's easy to see why.
Their calm personalities, funny expressions and surprising friendships with other animals have made them favourites on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
For children, they're endlessly entertaining. For adults, there's something wonderfully relaxing about watching a capybara simply enjoying life.
Seeing them in real life is even better.
Meet the Capybaras at Howletts
Our original capybara trio can be found in the South American paddock, just a short stroll from the Gatehouse, where they share their home with giant anteaters Zet and Fidji.
Meet the Crew
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!
Most days you'll find the trio basking in the sunshine, cooling off in the water or hiding among the pampas grass. Once the visitors have gone home, however, they have been known to sneak into the neighbouring anteater house for a little nighttime mischief!
Meet Our Newest Capybaras
This spring, our capybara family became even bigger.
Young females Tchin-Tchin and Grumpy arrived from Belgium and have already become firm favourites with our keepers.
At just seven and nine 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're usually splashing in their purpose-built swimming pool, chasing one another through the water or climbing over everything they can find.
Tchin-Tchin is bold, curious and often runs straight over to greet the keepers at feeding time.
Grumpy is a little more reserved, although she's slowly discovering that tickles aren't so bad after all.
We're also hoping to welcome a young male to the herd in the near future, making it an exciting time to visit.
Make a Wild Day of It
A visit to see our capybaras is just the beginning.
During your family day out at Howletts, you can also:
- Meet the UK's largest herd of African elephants.
- Watch our adorable Sumatran tiger cubs playing together.
- Visit our world-famous western lowland gorillas.
- Discover magnificent rhinos, monkeys, leopards and more.
- Enjoy special Summer Roar talks, activities and themed animal weeks throughout the school holidays.
With hundreds of incredible animals to discover, there's something exciting around every corner.
NEW: Capybara Encounter!
Meet the world’s largest rodent up close in this unforgettable capybara encounter. Step inside their enclosure, offer them a tasty treat, enjoy the chance to give them a gentle scratch and learn all about these relaxed, sociable animals from our expert team.
Find out morePlan Your Summer Roar Adventure
If your children love animals, don't miss the chance to meet our relaxed and lovable capybaras during Capybara Week this summer.
With themed activities, incredible wildlife, half-price kids' tickets and six weeks of wild family fun, Summer Roar is the perfect excuse to enjoy one of Kent's favourite family days out.
While you're here, be sure to visit our elephants, tiger cubs, gorillas and many other amazing animals that call Howletts home.
Plan your Summer Roar adventure today and discover why capybaras have captured hearts around the world. We can't wait to welcome you to Howletts Wild Animal Park this summer.
