The Dallas Zoo is celebrating the arrival of three new capybaras, marking the return of the beloved species after a brief absence. Velero, Atziri, and Piquiri recently arrived from the San Diego Zoo and have already settled into their new home at ZooNorth.
Velero, a year and a half old, is described as a social and playful capybara who enjoys snacks and splashing in the water. Meanwhile, Atziri and Piquiri, ten-month-old sisters, have distinct personalities despite their nearly identical appearances. Piquiri is shy yet clever, while Atziri is bold and always full of energy. To help staff differentiate them, Atziri has a shaved patch on her right shoulder, and Piquiri has one on her left.
The Dallas Zoo had been without capybaras since the passing of Fred in 2022. Fred, who lived to be nearly nine years old, exceeded the average capybara lifespan of seven years. He shared his habitat with Tullah, a 14-year-old giant anteater, who also passed away in November. The two animals, both native to South America, had formed a unique bond after being paired together in 2019.
Capybaras are known as the world’s largest rodents and are close relatives of guinea pigs, chinchillas, and nutria rats. While their lifespan in the wild is typically around four years, they can live much longer in captivity. In recent years, they have gained widespread popularity on social media, with videos and memes showcasing their calm and friendly nature.
