See the "minister of foreign affairs in the animal world" at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

(NLDO) - The Capybara family, the world's largest rat species, has just joined the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden and quickly attracted the attention of many tourists.

On the morning of January 3, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden introduced a herd of four Capybaras. They were given names with good meanings including Phu, Quy, Cat and Tuong. Of these, Phu and Quy are males.

Ngắm — The Zoo introduces a herd of Capybaras including four members: Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong.

Capybaras look like large rabbits with round bodies, short, wiry fur, and are mainly brown or gray in color. Their funny and "inanimate" faces make a special impression on visitors and they are known as the "minister of foreign affairs" in the animal world.

Mr. Mai Khac Trung Truc, Director of the Zoo and Botanical Garden Animal Enterprise, said that Capybara species can adapt well to high temperatures of up to 38°C and low temperatures of up to 4°C, but they especially love humid environments.

"Minister of Foreign Affairs" introduced to tourists at the Zoo - CLIP: CHI NGUYEN

"To ensure the health of Capybara, we maintain stable humidity in the cage by installing a misting system and building a large water pond. Low humidity can make them susceptible to disease," Mr. Truc shared.

The diet of Capybara at the Botanical Garden is mainly leaves and grass, accounting for 95%. They rarely eat starch and sweets. In particular, Capybara has the habit of re-eating feces, helping to absorb beneficial bacteria, balance intestinal microflora and improve digestion.

With a gentle, sociable personality, Capybara easily wins people's hearts.

Mr. Le Huu Phuc, a Capybara caretaker, said: "At first, they were very shy and often avoided people. It took me 1-2 weeks to get close to them and help them get used to people."

Capybaras are native to the humid tropical regions of South America, particularly in countries east of the Andes, such as Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. They range in length from 1.2 to 1.5 m, weigh up to 75 kg, and have an average lifespan of 10 years in the zoo.

Capybaras need about 2,500 kcal per day, of which at least 50% of their diet should be green food. Ripe fruits with high sugar content only account for about 5%. The Capybara herd at the Botanical Garden is not only a new attraction but also helps visitors learn more about the world's largest rodents.

See the "minister of foreign affairs" Capypara at the Zoo:

Capybaras look like giant rabbits, with round bodies, short, wiry fur, and are predominantly brown or gray in color.

The diet of Capybara at the Botanical Garden is mainly leaves and grass, accounting for 95%. They rarely eat starch and sweets.

Capybara is native to the humid tropical regions of South America, especially in countries east of the Andes such as Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.