Three young capybara sisters have a new home at the Suncoast Humane Society where they are beginning their role as animal ambassadors.
The animals were rescued from a wildlife rehabilitation facility and are now part of the HappyCapys program, an educational effort that introduces the public to the world’s largest rodents. The sisters will be featured in events designed to build awareness of conservation and the importance of humane care for wildlife.
Each capybara weighs about 18 pounds now but within a year they will top 100 pounds, as they grow rapidly and love to eat. Capybaras are known to consume six to eight pounds of grass a day. They are semi-aquatic, able to stay underwater for up to five minutes, and live in large social groups of 10 to 30 animals. Oh, and they eat their own droppings, a natural way to process nutrients more efficiently.
The trio do not yet have names, and the society plans to invite the community to help choose them. For now, they are adjusting to their new surroundings and learning their ambassador duties.
The HappyCapys program emphasizes the importance of playful and social behavior in animals, using the gentle capybara as an iconic example. The program includes interactive experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages under the guidance of humane educators and animal behaviorists.
HappyCapys Experiences
- Capybara Snacks and Snuggles, $99 per person — A 45-minute session where guests feed hearty snacks to the capybaras, learn about their care, and enjoy lap climbs, snuggles, and kisses.
Capybara Yoga, $99 per person — A one-hour yoga class held from 1 to 2 p.m. with capybaras nearby, creating a calming and joyful atmosphere in a small-group setting with certified instructors. - Private Capybara Experience, $750 for up to six people — A 90-minute exclusive session inside the capybara enclosure, ideal for celebrations, family outings, or team building. Additional guests can join at tiered rates up to 24 participants.
With their gentle nature, social instincts, and curiosity, the sisters are expected to become favorites at Suncoast events as the HappyCapys program unfolds.
