San Antonio Zoo introduces a capybara encounter, featuring Ralphie and Fauna, where guests learn about their role in South America’s wetlands.
SAN ANTONIO — A new feature at San Antonio Zoo will allow guest to get up close and personal with social media darlings capybaras.
San Antonio Zoo will offer a behind-the-scenes tour of the capybara enclosure as part of their newest animal interactions.
As cute as they are, capybaras are considered the world’s largest rodent. The new animal encounter experience will allow guests to observe the zoo’s capybara residents, Ralphie and Fauna, while learning about their unique behaviors and the crucial role they play in South America’s wetlands. Their partially webbed feet make them excellent swimmers so they can adapt on land and in the water.
“Capybaras are one of those animals that instantly capture people’s curiosity and hearts,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “This new experience is not only a chance to meet Ralphie and Fauna up close, but also to learn about their importance to their ecosystem and why protecting species like them matters.”
Ralphie is the father of the zoo’s capybara Tupi—who went viral all over the world after being born in late 2024. He join his companion Fauna in the zoo encounter. Their gentle personalities make it a cute and adorable way to get to know the species.
The encounter, titled Behind the Scenes: Caybara, will cost about $39.99 per person, on top of zoo admission fees. The experience is limited to four participants per group. Children under the age of 15 years and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Tickets and more information are available at www.sazoo.org.