Affectionate Capybaras Line Up For A Good Scratching Session With Their Keeper At A Petting Zoo

Oct 09, 2020

A video uploaded this year by Nagasaki Bio Park, a zoo in Japan, shows their capybaras queuing up to get their scratches.

Unless you live in a country where they are native, you may have never heard of a capybara. These massive animals may look like dogs or even pigs, but they are actually the largest rodent in the world.

That's right — these 80-pound sweethearts are actually giant rats. They are rodents of unusual size indeed! Despite their large size, capybaras tend to be extremely affectionate creatures. Examples in captivity are typically extremely eager to interact with humans, and they love being scratched or petted just like a typical dog.

The capybaras in this video are from the Nagasaki Bio Park in Japan. This is a unique facility, as it is much more heavily focused on conservation and education as opposed to simply displaying the animals. In the past, zoos were often focused on nothing more than profit.

Nagasaki has a much more modern approach, wherein the care of the animals always comes first. A quick look at the enclosure that these lucky rodents live in will let you know these critters are living in the lap of luxury.

Due to the pandemic, the zoo has been closed from the public for some time, as told in the video description. Yet, the work of the keepers never ends. Animals don't take a break from needing food simply because the gates are closed to visitors.

With the zoo closed, these capybaras are particularly hungry for attention, so the zookeepers have had to dedicate extra time to make sure they get the companionship and stimulation they need to stay healthy. One of the most important aspects of this is also one of the most fun: chin scratches.

Much like dogs, capybaras love to be petted and scratched. The resident capybaras line up every day to receive their daily dose of tummy and head scratches. As you can tell, they absolutely love the attention, with them often falling over in joy so the scratches can continue.

Normally, visitors to the zoo also have the option to play with the oversized rodents. Thus, if you are interested in getting up close and personal with the creatures, simply check in with the zoo to see when they will reopen.

Despite their adorable appearance, capybaras are not always treated to such lush treatment. Native to South America, they are a popular food source in many regions. They have relatively lean meat, which is often described as being somewhere between beef and rabbit. Next time you're in Brazil, be on the lookout for a capybara burger if you have an adventurous pallet.

If you ask me, the best place for a capybara isn't on a plate, though. It's on the ground receiving affection. And with over 20 capybaras in the pen, all with their own unique personalities, there is no shortage of animals to meet and greet.

Even if petting capybaras is not your cup of tea, the Nagasaki Bio Park is worth a visit. With acres upon acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, it is a beautiful place for an afternoon visit. Many of the areas are decorated in traditional Japanese themes, adding to the allure.

Have you ever petted a capybara? What is it like? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this video along to brighten someone's day!