On a recent spring day at Folsom’s Global Wildlife Center, the capybaras were enjoying a lazy afternoon beside a pond near the Visitor Center. Close by, members of the center’s animal care team were holding out selections of vegetation from a large bowl. The day’s special? A mix of spinach, romaine, sweet potato, yellow squash, and bell pepper—a veritable garden salad for one of the closest furry rodents, who was dubiously eyeing the offering. The capybara, who was named Babs, had apparently gotten picky about yellow squash, lately.
“They’re very food-motivated,” one of the animal care specialists explained. “And they’re literally standing in an entire field of food. It’s a big fight to get their attention.”
These cuddly critters, native to South America, spend their days in their own on-site habitat, snacking on leafy greens, soaking in the pond (keeping eyes, ears, and nose above the water to monitor their surroundings), and lounging in the grass. This is the world’s largest rodent, a relative to the much smaller guinea pig, who always seems to evoke an involuntary “awwww” from visitors on sight. They have called Global Wildlife Center home since 2023, and have settled in over the last couple of years, becoming more comfortable with their surroundings.
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Capybaras live a life of ease in their habitat at Global Wildlife Center.
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Visitors have the opportunity to book a private capybara encounter for an up-close and cuddly experience.
For a closer look at the center’s five cozy capys—babies Babs, Milo, and Otis, and adults Tot and Bruno—guests ages ten and older can opt to attend a capybara encounter. Lasting thirty minutes, capybara encounters invite guests to go behind-the-scenes, to explore the capybaras’ habitat and feed them treats while learning interesting facts about these water-loving creatures. For instance, they communicate through a series of whistles, squeals, and grunts—charismatic fellows always eager for a “chat” with visitors. There is even the opportunity for guests to create a piece of art with their new capy comrades—just select paint colors and apply them to a blank canvas before the encounter, then feed the capys a bamboo snack and watch as they scurry across the blank sheet with their little webbed feet, creating an artistic keepsake.
And if you’re excited to meet the babies, Global Wildlife’s executive director, Christina Cooper, has some good news: A second litter is on the way!
Capybara encounters are available Thursday through Sunday and bookable online. To learn more about becoming a member with benefits at Global Wildlife, along with details about exclusive member-only events, visit globalwildlife.com.
