Capybaras

Hi there. My name is Capybara, and I'm so happy to meet you. My family has been around for a long time, and people started writing about us way back in the year 1766. Have you ever seen a little mouse or a cute guinea pig? I am a rodent, just like them. But I am the biggest rodent in the whole wide world. I am about the size of a big, cuddly dog. I have soft brown fur. My fur helps me hide in the tall grasses and near the trees where I live. It is fun to be big and gentle.

My favorite thing to do is play in the water. SPLASH. I love to swim all day long. I live near rivers and ponds in a warm, sunny home called South America. I am a very good swimmer. I can hold my breath under the water for a long, long time. Can you see my eyes, ears, and nose? They are right on the very top of my head. This helps me peek out of the water like a little submarine while the rest of me is hiding. The water helps me stay cool when the sun is hot. I also find yummy water plants to eat there. If I ever feel scared, I just slip into the water to hide.

I am a very friendly animal. I love to be with my big family. We do everything together. We eat tasty grass together, and we take cozy naps in the sunshine together. I am very calm and gentle, so other animals like to be my friend. Sometimes, pretty birds with colorful feathers sit right on my back. Little monkeys sometimes climb on me, too. It feels like I am giving them a fun, cozy ride. I love sharing my home with all of my wonderful animal pals.

I am a helper in my home. I am a friend to many other animals. When I eat lots of grass, I help keep all the plants healthy and strong. People know me as the calm, friendly animal who gets along with everyone. I am happy to show the world how nice it is when we are all friends and live together peacefully.