Woburn Safari Park announces arrival of world's largest rodent species

Keepers at Woburn Safari Park have welcomed the arrival of a friendly male Capybara, which marks the addition of the world's largest rodent species at the park for the first time.

Keepers at Woburn Safari Park have welcomed the arrival of a friendly male Capybara, which marks the addition of the world’s largest rodent species at the park for the first time.

Related to guinea pigs and rock cavies, Capybaras are distinguished by their barrel-shaped body, short head, reddish-brown fur, partially webbed toes and long teeth.

Previously living at a wildlife park in the Cotswolds, seven-year old James is now living at ‘Capybara Caves’ in the Foot Safari.

The semi-aquatic rodent is settling into safari park life swimmingly and has spent the last few days exploring the waterfall, water pool and caves in his new home.

Animal Keeper Hannah Bigot said: “James is proving to be a very sociable creature and he only seems to want to eat his breakfast while I talk to him softly!

"I am already learning a lot about his preferences, particularly that he is not fussed about peppers or kale but will do anything for some cabbage. The long-term plan is to get James a girlfriend and hopefully have a herd of breeding Capybaras who will live together with spider monkeys in a new enclosure which is due to open at the end of the year.”

Also by the Milton Keynes Citizen newspaper: