Photo credit: Daniel Dolan/Getty Images
You’ve seen the TikTok reels. You probably heard the song. The headlines are plentiful. We’re talking about capybaras! And you may be asking yourself at this point: Where can I see a capybara in NYC or nearby? So we put together a list of zoos in NYC and NJ that have capybara.
What Exactly is a Capybara?
Let’s address what exactly a capybara is. First, they’re so cute. We need to get that out of the way. Ok now on to business: The capybara is the world’s largest rodent. When we say big, we mean big with a capital B. An adult capy can get up to 4.3 feet long and tip the scales at 174 pounds! (Kinda puts those giant NYC subway rats into perspective, right?)
Interestingly enough, capybaras don’t really look like your typical rodent. They actually look like larger versions of pet guinea pigs (which are also rodents).
Now, you won’t see a capybara wandering the city streets or looking for a meal to take home like Pizza Rat tried to do. Capybaras are native Central and South America. Specifically, their countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay and others. Since they love the water and need it to keep their skin moist, they live mostly in estuaries, marshes and river banks. There also known to be big nappers.
See a Capybara in NYC and Nearby
Even though capybaras aren’t native to the United States, you can still see them right here at a few zoos in our area. Let’s take a look at some.
The Staten Island Zoo
614 Broadway., Staten Island
Hours: 10am-4:45pm, daily
Admission: $10; $7, seniors, $6 ages 3-14; free for kids 2 and younger.
The Staten Island Zoo has two female resident capybaras who live in the zoo’s Children’s Center. They recently had a birthday and turned 9 years old. Zookeepers hosted an adorable birthday party for them that included a slice of watermelon with all their favorite treats—how adorable!
And get ready for more capy fun, because here’s something pretty cool: If you or your kids are obsessed with capybaras like we are, you can virtually adopt the zoo’s capy duo! There are different levels of adoptions to choose from, so check out the website to learn more!
Bergen County Zoo
216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ
Hours: Check the schedule online.
Admission: From May 1 to Oct. 31, admission is $8; $2, seniors, $5 ages 3-14; free for ages 3 and younger. Discounts available for Bergen County residents.
Enjoy seeing capybara at this New Jersey zoo. Other cool creatures to see include alligators, bison, giant anteater, sloth, red wolf, lots of birds and many more.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
707 Route 9N, Cape May Court House, NJ
Hours: Check the schedule online.
Admission: Free
Ok, this one’s a little far but worth the trip! You’ll see some adorable capybaras here, as well as other animals, all for free. Plus, Cape May is a charming beach area that is great to visit for a day or weekend in the spring and summer, or any time of year.
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