News

New exotic species feature at Brooklands Zoo

Local News Our Work
PUBLISHED: 10 JAN 2020
Share this article

Capybaras Luis Suarez and Fernando have travelled down from Auckland Zoo to join Brooklands Zoo’s collection of exotic animals. 

Capybaras are regarded as the giants of the rodent world, as they grow up to 130cm long and weigh between 37kg and 67kg when fully grown (the females are usually larger than males). 

“They’re a fantastic addition to Brooklands Zoo and they’re sure to be popular among visitors as they are social and can sleep in shallow water,” says NPDC spokesperson Jacqueline Baker. “They love to be in water so they were a perfect fit for where the otters used to be.” 

Capybaras are semi-aquatic and can sleep in shallow water as their eyes, ears and nostrils are at the top of their heads. 

They have partially webbed toes and are strong swimmers, and are native to Central and South America. 

Brooklands Zoo fast facts: 

  • About 113,000 people visit Brooklands Zoo each year and it is owned, managed and funded by NPDC.
  • The zoo has been a children’s favourite and a New Plymouth icon since 1965. 
  • It features monkeys, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals such as pigs, meerkats and rodents. 
  • The site is fully enclosed with a playground under a shade-sail, making it the perfect outdoor activity for families. 
  • The zoo is involved with conservation efforts for species such as the cotton-top tamarin, which are critically endangered in the wild. 
  • The zoo is a MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries) approved facility.

Related news

A life saver for tradies: new million dollar waste sorting facility to open for region's businesses
NPDC to discuss Central Government’s Three Waters Reforms at Public Meeting
Historic touches in place as Pukekura Park transformed for footy

Page last updated: 09:50am Mon 09 August 2021

Contact us
06 759 6060 enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
Visit us

84 Liardet Street
New Plymouth

Search
Find by A–Z
Navigate
Useful links
Our NPDC family
New Zealand Government logo