"Completely unforeseen" death of capybara after eight weeks in Jersey

Tuesday 31 October 2023

A “much-loved” capybara who only arrived at Jersey Zoo in August has died unexpectedly over the weekend, leaving behind her half-sister.

Olive the capybara's death was caused by a sudden onset gastrointestinal issue, the zoo's expert vet team confirmed.

A statement released by Jersey Zoo said: "Whilst this was completely unforeseen, problems associated with the stomach and intestines can be sadly quite common in rodent species.

"The team are devastated by her unexpected death, and our dedicated keepers continue to provide the best of care to her half-sister, Maple."

Olive was born at ZooParc de Beauval in central France in May 2022, before joining Jersey Zoo with Maple in August.

The pair went on display at the end of September, after several weeks settling into their custom-built enclosure by the Zoo's central lake.

Jersey Zoo's statement continued: "Since her arrival, she had grown greatly in confidence as she explored the central lake and enjoyed nibbling on bamboo in the paddock.

"Olive quickly became a zoo favourite, and she will be greatly missed by staff, visitors and volunteers."

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

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

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