Capybaras are the world's largest rodents and highly social animals. Understanding their welfare needs helps zoos provide appropriate environments for these charismatic South American mammals.
Capybaras in zoos require large, enriched enclosures with deep water pools for swimming, wallowing, and social interaction. Their highly gregarious nature means solitary housing causes significant psychological distress. Zoos must provide group housing, appropriate grazing opportunities, and environmental complexity. Dental health is important — capybaras have continuously growing teeth and need fibrous vegetation to wear them down naturally. Temperature regulation through water access is essential, particularly in climates outside their native range.