Wrocław Zoo in southwestern Poland celebrated its beloved senior capybara’s birthday with a unique ‘birthday cake’ prepared to suit his dietary needs.
Hans, now 8-years-old, boasts remarkably good health compared to other representatives of his species, who have a typical lifespan of 4 years in the wild.
On Thursday, the animal’s caretakers prepared a custom “cake” suitable for his diet, which has become stricter with age.
The treat was made of a carefully measured selection of celery, herbs, and soaked grass, with a few additions—such as chicory and a couple of nuts—that, according to the zoo, Hans especially loves.
Capybaras, native to South America, are the world’s largest rodents, typically living in herds along rivers, wetlands, and savannas.
Known for their gentle and social nature, they thrive in environments with abundant water, where they can swim or dive to escape predators. Though they can be spotted in various landscapes from Colombia to Argentina, they often prefer grazing areas frequented by livestock, which helps keep predators at bay.
As they age, many capybaras in zoos live well beyond their wild counterparts, thanks to monitored diets and secure enclosures.
On Thursday, the animal’s caretakers prepared a custom “cake” suitable for his diet, which has become stricter with age.
The treat was made of a carefully measured selection of celery, herbs, and soaked grass, with a few additions—such as chicory and a couple of nuts—that, according to the zoo, Hans especially loves.
Capybaras, native to South America, are the world’s largest rodents, typically living in herds along rivers, wetlands, and savannas.
Known for their gentle and social nature, they thrive in environments with abundant water, where they can swim or dive to escape predators. Though they can be spotted in various landscapes from Colombia to Argentina, they often prefer grazing areas frequented by livestock, which helps keep predators at bay.
As they age, many capybaras in zoos live well beyond their wild counterparts, thanks to monitored diets and secure enclosures.
