San Diego Zoo Capybara Shows Off Funny ‘T-Rex Walk'
Have you ever seen a capybara? Well, if not, you're in for a treat.
The San Diego Zoo recently shared an adorable video on January 11 of one of their resident capybaras doing a signature "T-Rex walk" in water. It's pretty much the definition of cuteness overload, and it'll make you want to learn more about these fascinating animals!
Isn't this little guy the funniest? Capybaras are part of the rodent family and belong to the family of guinea pigs.
Related: San Diego Zoo Celebrates Galapagos Tortoise’s 139th Birthday
Capybaras are mostly found in South and Central America, but they can also be found in Florida.
Fun Facts About Capybaras
Here are a few facts about the world's largest rodent that might surprise you.
They're excellent swimmers.
Just like pigs and similar in build, capybaras are excellent swimmers. That's because they have partially webbed feet and can stay submerged for several minutes, using their noses to breathe. Hence the T-Rex walks in the water, which, by the way, keeps the predators at bay. Who knew? They can also sleep in the water!
They can weigh as much as a grown human.
Yes, it's shocking, but depending on the sex, they can weigh anywhere between 60 and 174 pounds!
Their teeth keep growing.
Here comes the beaver comparison: the long teeth. Not only do they have big teeth, but their teeth keep growing, so they have to wear them down by grazing on plants and grasses, as they're herbivores.
They're quite social.
Capybaras are not shy animals and are known to be social and curious. They're herd animals that live in groups of 10–20 other capybaras, with one dominant leader who's male. You can also see capybaras interact with other animals, such as birds nesting on their backs.
They're vocal.
Capybaras can be quite vocal and use various vocalizations, including whistles, barks, and even purring-like sounds.
They have thick skin.
The skin of capybaras is tough and thick and serves as a natural defense mechanism against predators. The skin also contains sweet glands, which keep their body temperature regulated in hot temperatures.
While capybaras are not kept as pets, you could get a guinea pig instead, as they're almost the same, just different in size.
And if you happen to live in the San Diego area, you can treat yourself by paying a visit to the zoo to see them in person.
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