London Zoo Welcomes Capybara Pair Gizmo And Kiwi

Govind Takale

Two giant rodents named Gizmo and Kiwi have moved into London Zoo, giving visitors a rare chance to see capybaras up close.

Photo Credits: Marian Havenga

These South American natives are the largest rodents on Earth and have become internet famous for their chill personality.

Photo Credits: Rutpratheep Nilpechr

Sitting next to celebrity neighbor Amara the pygmy hippo, these new arrivals are expected to draw huge crowds during May half-term.

Photo Source: Winfred-S-Photo (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

Why do their eyes, ears, and nostrils sit so high on their heads? It's a clever adaptation that lets them stay hidden underwater while still breathing.

Photo Credits: CaplinRous (CC BY 3.0)

Their webbed feet make them excellent swimmers – zookeepers expect they'll spend most of their time splashing around outside.

Photo Credits: Tambako The Jaguar(CC BY-ND 2.0)

These rodents have teeth that never stop growing, which is why they're constantly munching on grass and plants.

Photo Source: Ravi Kant  (Pexels)

1. Ready for a gross but fascinating fact? Capybaras eat their own poop to extract maximum nutrients from tough plant matter.

Photo Credits: Joel Alencar

In the wild, capybaras live in social groups of up to 40, communicating through various sounds to maintain their complex relationships.

Photo Source: Pixabay

"They'll have a huge impact on turning our visitors into conservationists," says zookeeper Jessica Lawrance about these charismatic creatures.

Photo Source: Pranav Lal (Pexels)

Better hurry if you want to see them! Gizmo and Kiwi are only temporary London residents before moving to their permanent home at Whipsnade Zoo.

Photo Credits: Eric Kilby from Somerville, MA, USA (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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