Capybaras are the world's largest rodents and are highly social, semi-aquatic animals. Their welfare in captivity requires appropriate group sizes and water access.
Capybara welfare requires group housing and water access as non-negotiables. Solitary capybaras show significant behavioral abnormalities including stereotypic pacing and increased aggression. Access to deep water for swimming is important for thermoregulation and behavioral expression -- shallow pools are inadequate substitutes. As exotic pets they are frequently kept in inadequate indoor environments that fail to meet their social and aquatic needs. Zoo settings with appropriate groups and water features support good welfare. Their herbivorous diet requires diverse fresh vegetation including grasses. Health monitoring should include dental and skin condition assessment.