Capybaras in Florida: Massive Rodents? — Featuring Rolo from The Spirit Tree Sanctuary

Meet Rolo: A Calm Soul with a Playful Side 

At The Spirit Tree Sanctuary in Florida, we provide lifelong care for rescued and rehomed animals, and few bring as much quiet joy and charm as Rolo, our resident capybara. With a love for sweet potatoes, long strolls with his tortoise best friend, and moments of zen in his dipping pool, Rolo is the perfect ambassador for educating people of all ages about this unique species. 

Capybara Overview: 

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world.  Native to South America they go by different names across Brazil (Capybara), Venezuela (Chigüire), Colombia (Chigüiro) and Argentina (Carpincho) among others, but it’s the same animal and they live near rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps, forming highly social groups that often include 10–20 individuals. 

Despite their size — adult capybaras can weigh 75 to 150 pounds — they are known for their gentle demeanor, calm temperament, and almost comically relaxed attitude toward life. 

Lifespan and Physical Characteristics 

• Average Lifespan: 8–10 years in human care (shorter in the wild due to predators) 

• Size: 3.5–4.5 feet long and about 2 feet tall 

• Weight: 75–150 lbs 

• Webbed feet help them swim with ease 

• Coarse fur and slightly rounded bodies 

Their closely spaced eyes, ears, and nostrils — positioned near the top of their head — allow them to stay mostly submerged in water while keeping alert to their surroundings. 

A Capybara’s Lifestyle: From the Amazon to American Sanctuaries 

Capybaras are semi-aquatic herbivores that thrive in wet, grassy environments. In the wild, they graze on aquatic plants, grasses, fruits, and bark. 

Because of their gentle nature and endearing appearance, capybaras have gained international popularity. However, their journey to sanctuaries or private ownership in the United States is highly regulated and varies by state. They are not traditional pets, and caring for one requires deep commitment, proper space, and knowledge of their specific needs. 

Rolo’s Routine at The Spirit Tree 

Rolo lives a peaceful and enriched life at our sanctuary. He enjoys: 

• Sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, and alfalfa cubes as treats 

• Meditating in his dipping pool, a daily ritual of calm reflection 

• Swimming in his pond, a natural behavior for health and happiness 

• Taking slow walks with Mr. Pickles, his best friend — a tortoise 

• Climbing into wheelbarrows, because… why not? 

His gentle presence makes him a favorite among caregivers and social media followers alike. 

Proper Capybara Care 

Capybaras are not low-maintenance animals. They require specialized care, space, and social interaction to thrive: 

1. Habitat 

• Access to a pond or pool is essential for their physical and emotional well-being 

• A large, secure outdoor space with shade, grass, and room to roam 

• Dry, sheltered area for resting 

2. Diet 

• A primary diet of hay and grasses 

• Occasional fresh vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, and leafy greens 

• Limited treats like corn or fruit (moderation is key) 

3. Social Needs 

• Capybaras are highly social. Ideally, they should be housed with other capybaras or in close companionship with animals they bond with (like Rolo and Mr. Pickles) 

• They are prone to loneliness and depression without proper social enrichment 

4. Veterinary Care 

• Capybaras require exotic animal vets 

• Hoof/nail care, parasite control, and regular health checks are essential 

Why People Love Capybaras 

People love capybaras because they’ve become internet icons thanks to their: 

• Remarkable tolerance for other animals — they’re often seen relaxing beside birds, cats, monkeys, and more 

• Serene and unbothered attitude — they appear relaxed even in chaotic surroundings 

• Social nature — their ability to form bonds with other animals and humans is deeply touching 

• Expressive vocalizations — from squeaks to purrs, capybaras communicate in subtle ways 

These qualities make them captivating, especially for children learning about animal intelligence and emotion. 

Fun Capybara Facts 🐾 

• 🦷 Capybara teeth never stop growing, and they wear them down by chewing on coarse plants 

• 🛁 They roll in mud to cool off and protect their skin from sunburn and insects 

• 🗺️ They are related to guinea pigs and chinchillas 

• 🧘 Capybaras are true zen masters — their relaxed posture and slow movements are surprisingly calming to watch 

• 🐢 They often bond with other species — just like Rolo and Mr. Pickles! 

A Note on Exotic Animal Ownership 

While capybaras may seem like ideal pets, they are not suitable for most households. Their care demands, social needs, and specialized habitat requirements mean they are best suited to licensed sanctuaries and caretakers with proper resources. 

At The Spirit Tree, Rolo’s needs are met through individualized care, careful observation, and daily enrichment. He’s not just a resident — he’s a respected member of our sanctuary family. 

Support Rolo and Sanctuary Animals Like Him 

Although we do not accept visitors, you can still support Rolo and the animals at The Spirit Tree by making a donation. Your contribution helps us provide: 

• High-quality food and species-appropriate diets 

• Veterinary care and wellness monitoring 

• Safe, natural habitats and enrichment materials 

• Lifelong sanctuary for vulnerable and rescued animals 

👉 [Donate Here]  

Every dollar helps us care for unique animals like Rolo — and ensures their lives are filled with peace, dignity, and a little fun. 

In Conclusion: Calm, Clever, and Completely Captivating 

Capybaras like Rolo remind us that intelligence, gentleness, and connection are qualities found across all species. Through their calm presence and complex needs, they teach us not only about animal care but also about empathy and the power of peaceful coexistence. 

By learning about capybaras, we take one step closer to understanding the wider web of life we all share.