It can nap underwater, its teeth never stop growing... what is it?

Friday 29 September 2023

High property prices and the cost of living might be a deterrent for many when it comes to settling on the island, but that hasn't stopped two overseas residents from making a new home in Jersey...

Maple and Olive, capybaras who are also half-sisters, have now settled into their custom-built enclosure by the zoo’s central lake.

While the pair arrived from ZooParc de Beauval in France in July, they have been off show and behind-the-scenes for several months.

The semi-aquatic animals, which are native to South America, are the biggest rodent on Earth.

They will be free ranging in the lake and will share their home with the zoo's Chilean flamingos and red-breasted geese.

This is not the first time capybaras have taken up residence at Jersey Zoo, with Gerald Durrell bringing these mammals to Jersey in the 1980s.

Georgia Gotts, Mammals Team Leader, said the return of the species made it "even more special".

She continued: "Maple and Olive have settled in really well and have definitely made themselves at home in their brand-new enclosure.

"They are a fascinating mammal species that split their time between water and land, so will definitely keep us on our toes.

"We're looking forward to teaching our members and visitors about this wonderful species."

What is a capybara?

Capybaras are the biggest rodent on Earth, and their large teeth, which can measure up to 8cm long, never stop growing and get worn down by their regular grazing on grass and water plants.

They prefer to live near water and marshes and have partially webbed feet to help them swim.

As lovers of water, despite needing air to breathe, capybaras can also nap whilst submerged.

Their home in South America is under threat, due to habitat destruction, waste pollution and climate change.

Pictured top: Maple and Olive settle into their new home.