For the longest time, I’ve been curious about capybaras. I first found out about them through a book back when I was 4 or 5 and so that began a lifelong curiosity that has never truly faded even after seeing one in person.
I mean to a child, how do you explain that there’s a cousin to a rat that’s bigger than your dog?
I never got to see one in person until I turned 40 when I first visited Thailand and we went to a local zoo. They had capybaras there but that memory didn’t stick because we were always in a hurry during that time.
I saw one again in Singapore Zoo. Because we had more time, I was able to observe them more.
They were… exactly as advertised.
Chill.
Unbothered.
Almost zen-like.
I saw one again in Manila Zoo late 2024 and it was the same.
Now fast forward to this year and I was looking for the calmest animals in the world. Guess who appeared on top of the list? Yep… the capybara.
I don’t think the sloth counts.
Neither do pandas. Pandas can be very dangerous. And aggressive.
So yeah, maybe I’m convinced.
Maybe it is the capybara.
So what exactly is a capybara, and why do they have this reputation?
What is a capybara?
The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world, native to South America.
Yes—rodent.
They’re related to guinea pigs, just supersized and semi-aquatic.
Physical Description
- Adults weigh 35–66 kg (sometimes more)
- Barrel-shaped body with short legs
- Coarse brown or reddish-brown fur
- Webbed feet (perfect for swimming)
- Blunt snout, small ears, calm eyes
Diet
Capybaras are strict herbivores. They eat:
- Grasses (their primary food)
- Aquatic plants
- Leaves and soft bark
- Fruits (occasionally)
This is an interesting fact I found on Wikipedia about capybaras: capybaras practice autocoprophagy—they eat some of their own droppings to properly digest cellulose and extract nutrients.
What?
They don’t have access to Yakult?
Not the most glamorous piece of information about these animals but it sems to be a very efficient way for them to help digest their food.
General Behavior
Capybaras are social animals that live in groups of 10–20, sometimes more. Their calm reputation comes from several traits:
- Extremely tolerant of other animals
- Rarely aggressive
- Communicate with soft whistles, purrs, and clicks
- Prefer to flee into water rather than fight
You’ll often see birds, monkeys, ducks, even other mammals sitting on capybaras. They don’t seem to mind. That’s where the “calmest animal” label really sticks.
More Reasons Why Capybaras are Considered the Calmest Animals
Capybaras:
- Stay relaxed even in busy environments
- Coexist peacefully with many species
- Rarely show panic unless seriously threatened
- Spend long hours resting, soaking, or grazing
They seem to be embody and radiate “everything is fine” energy. Sounds like this’ll be my new spirit animal.
Can Capybaras be Pets?
Technically, some people do keep capybaras as pets in certain countries—but this is not a casual pet situation. They are exotic animals with very specific needs.
Capybara care sheet
| Category | Requirement |
| Diet | Fresh grass, hay, vegetables |
| Water | Large pool or pond (mandatory) |
| Social needs | Must be kept in pairs or groups |
| Climate | Warm, humid environments |
| Space | Large outdoor enclosure |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years (sometimes more) |
Space & Enclosure Requirements
This is where most people underestimate things.
Capybaras:
- Cannot free-range like chickens
- Need secure fencing (they’re strong and curious)
- Require constant access to deep water for swimming
- Need shaded resting areas
- Prefer grassy ground, not concrete
Minimum enclosure needs:
- Several hundred square meters per pair
- A pool or pond large enough for full submersion
- Escape-proof fencing
- Quiet, low-stress environment
A small backyard simply won’t cut it.
Pros and Cons of Having a Capybara as a Pet
Pros
- Extremely calm and gentle
- Social and affectionate in the right setup
- Fascinating, intelligent animals
- Good with other non-aggressive animals
- Very unique companion
Cons
- Require huge space
- Need constant access to water
- High maintenance diet and care
- Not legal everywhere
- Strong social needs (never keep just one)
Other Important Things to Know
- Capybaras are crepuscular (most active dawn and dusk)
- Stress can lead to serious health issues
- They bond deeply with their group
- Keeping one alone is harmful to their wellbeing
They’re not “easy” animals—they’re just calm ones.
Capybaras aren’t pets for most people, but they are fascinating animals that deserve respect, space, and proper care.
Calmest animal? Maybe.
Easiest animal? Definitely not.
Hmmm… maybe I’ll put up a coffee and tea shop where you can relazx and call it “The Calm Capybara” heheheh Oks, that’s my time for now. Gotta go make some breakfast and hopefully have a day that’s as calm as a capybara can be.
