by Every few years, an animal becomes an online sensation; now, it is the Capybara’s turn.
The Capybara, indigenous to South America, can be found in Maplewood at the Sustainable Safari, about 5,000 miles from its home. The giant creature can be best described as “the world’s largest rodent; they get anywhere from 98 pounds to 150 pounds. With the largest ones getting to 200 pounds.” Said general manager Linnea Douggan.
The Sustainable Safari is a pay-to-play experience, offering hands-on interactions with exotic animals ranging from alligators and monkeys to the internet’s favorite, a capybara. But why does the internet love them so much?
That question I asked led me to a simple answer. “They are just funny,” said visitor Alicia Fingle.
“They are essentially just a huge guinea pig, and guinea pigs being as famous of pets as they are. They just get to be the size of the dog, so you get the best of both world, a dog and a guinea pig,” said Douggan.
“The biggest guinea pig I ever saw.” said Fingle, who was visiting with her family. Eager to get in with the giant rodents, her husband Paul noted that their kids were excited to meet the animals.
Excitement can be seen all over the spectrum; safari staff tells me they have visitors from around the country and the world. As well have seen an array of merchandise with the capybara’s image front and center. They have seen capybara-themed shoes, shirts, and pants, that come on passionate guests.
“Capybara,” sang middle schooler Ava Walbeerg referencing a viral tune she learned from social media, and then let me in as to why she thinks they are so popular. “oh ya, like Capybara, they’re just kind of funny, you know. How they walk and all that stuff.”
After spending time with the animals and looking into the reason why they are so famous, it led me to precisely what Walbeerg had mentioned. “All that stuff” has created a love for these animals, with google searches doubling since 2020. Once you encounter these sweet and docile creatures, it is easy to understand why there is a craze for Capybaras.
