Capybara Craze: Why This South American Rodent Isn't the Ideal Pet Despite Its Viral Popularity

Capybaras, the world's largest rodents native to South America, are experiencing a surge in popularity, fueled by their gentle demeanor and appearances in memes and even the Oscar-winning animated film "Flow." This has led to a growing desire to keep them as pets, with capybara cafes opening in places like Tokyo, Japan. However, experts caution against this trend. Biologist Adriana Celada from Animal Heroes emphasizes that keeping capybaras as pets is detrimental to their well-being. These social animals thrive in groups of 10 to 100 and require large, semi-aquatic habitats with access to water and a varied diet of fresh grass, aquatic plants, and produce. An adult capybara consumes 4 to 7 kilos of food daily. Furthermore, finding specialized veterinary care for capybaras is challenging and expensive, especially outside of specialized zoos. While owning a capybara is technically legal in Mexico with a permit from Semarnat, the process doesn't guarantee the animal's welfare and may encourage illegal trafficking. Abandoned capybaras can also become invasive species, disrupting local ecosystems. Experts recommend admiring these animals from afar, acknowledging that their needs are best met in their natural habitats.