How the humble capybara became a spirit animal for Asia's youth

[Judi Lynn]

By Iris Zhao and Jenny Cai
Topic:Human Interest

8h ago

After years of following them online, Li Jing finally met her spirit animal – the capybara — at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.

"I first fell in love with capybaras when I saw their videos online. They were taking a bath in a Japanese zoo," Ms Li said.

The 31-year-old, who works in the pet industry, said she adored them because they were "so cute, so quiet, and so chill".


"When I realised Taronga Zoo had them, I got really excited and immediately went to see them.

"Only four people can interact with the capybaras every day. People were lining up half an hour before tickets started to sell.

. . .

More:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-14/how-capybaras-became-asia-s-spirit-animal/104335784

[BlueSky3]

1. They're really

cute. I don’t know if people get them as pets, but it would be a shame to put them in a house when they need to be around lots of water (and mud!).

[rampartd]

2. "the haitians are eating our capybaras"