Meet Mozzarella: Buffalo Zoo debuts adorable young capybara

The Buffalo Zoo is delighted to introduce its newest resident, a 7-month-old male capybara named Mozzarella.

 

Born on November 21, 2025, at the Cape May County Zoo in New Jersey, Mozzarella has joined the Buffalo Zoo as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

 

Visitors can now find him in the M&T Bank Rainforest Falls exhibit, where he is settling into his new environment.

 

Initially a bit reserved, Mozzarella has begun to explore his habitat with curiosity.

 

Keepers have observed him interacting with the turtles and birds that share his space, and he has shown a particular fondness for swimming.

 

Capybaras, native to most South American countries except Chile, are the largest rodents on Earth, measuring up to 2 feet tall and 4 feet long, and weighing as much as 170 pounds.

 

These semiaquatic herbivores thrive near bodies of water, feeding primarily on grasses and aquatic plants.

 

While classified as "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), capybaras face threats such as habitat loss and overhunting.

 

Mozzarella's presence at the Buffalo Zoo serves as an important reminder of the need for wildlife conservation.

 

In addition to welcoming Mozzarella, the Buffalo Zoo is hosting several events this summer.

 

Notably, the ProZoo Board's Fifth Annual Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 26 at Glen Oak Golf Club, offering a day of golf to support the zoo's mission.

 

For families, the Destination Dinosaur exhibition features life-size animatronic dinosaurs and interactive activities, providing an educational experience for all ages.

 

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the M&T Bank Rainforest Falls exhibit to meet Mozzarella and learn more about capybaras.

 

The Buffalo Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with last admission at 8 p.m.

 

General admission tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at the front entrance gate.

 

For more information on upcoming events and exhibits, visit the Buffalo Zoo's official website.