Gatorland’s capybara brothers heading to Flamingo Island

Gatorland has relocated its two growing capybaras into a new habitat on the attraction’s Flamingo Island.

Ben and Jerry, the brother capybaras, are almost 1 year old and weigh in at about 50 pounds apiece, so larger quarters were called for. The twosome had been living at Gatorland’s Barnyard Petting Zoo since October.

“Capybara are partially aquatic mammals so this area allows for them to swim in a large pond where guests can see their natural behaviors and fun personalities,” Danielle Lucas, director of animal care, said in a news release. “They still have another 10 to 20 pounds to grow.”

A video posted to Gatorland’s Facebook page shows their transfer to the island, which features their own beach. Ben is reluctant to leave this carrier, but soon the brothers are seen eating and swimming side by side.

Capybaras are very social creatures and don’t mind sharing the island with the flamingos, waterfowl, turtles and other nearby animals, Gatorland says. After they become acclimated to their new digs, Gatorland plans to offer encounters with them on Flamingo Island. For now, visitors can see them from the boardwalk across from the petting zoo.

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