Capivaras

In the center of the city, there is a wonderful large park.  Inside the park live a group of capivaras.  They are the largest members of the rodent family.  They live near lakes and rivers.  Capivaras give birth under water and can hold their breath under water for a long time.  This one of their best self-defense mechanisms.

There were about 40 in this group, many babies!  They eat grass and make these little squeeky noises.  I would not same they are tame but they are tolerate of human being fairly close to them.

I love them!  They are very peaceful and gentle.  I am so thrilled that I was able to see them there in the park on two separate visits.