London Zoo opens spa-inspired capybara home
Gizmo and Kiwi will be able to demonstrate their swimming skills in their indoor and outdoor pools.
London Zoo has welcomed a pair of capybaras to a brand new, spa-inspired home at the conservation zoo.
Gizmo and Kiwi, a brother-sister duo, were introduced to their permanent home last week after a stay in their balmy indoor bathing pool.
The capybaras were originally only planned to take a temporary ‘city-break’ at London Zoo. However, having settled in well, the organisation decided to build them a permanent new home.
The spa-inspired pad includes two pools, mud-bath wallows and climate-controlled zones.
Kiwi was the first to explore her new home, trotting outside ahead of her brother into their luxury new home. Although Gizmo was more reluctant to face the chilly air, he was soon outside with his sister.
The siblings inspected every corner of their new home, stopping only to enjoy the morning sun.
Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are semi-aquatic, with their scientific name translating to ‘water pig’. Their physiology includes partially-webbed feet, with eyes and nostrils located at the top of their head like a snorkel.
Gizmo and Kiwi are adept swimmers, and so London Zoo visitors will be able to see the pair demonstrating their skills in the outdoor pool, which is naturally filtered by bulrushes. Their new home also features an indoor, heated bathing pool which helps keep their skin moisturised.
After their swim, the capybaras can head to their climate-controlled indoor zone to bask under UV lamps and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The capybaras will also take part in daily training sessions with their keepers, which also supports the care team to perform basic health checks.
Visitors at London Zoo can now see both Gizmo and Kiwi in their new home.
Image © Tim Whitby/ZSL
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
