Interview With A Capybara Owner



Capybara owner Melanie Typaldos gave a great interview about her unusual pet on the Estatic Days blog. Her pet is named Caplin Rous as in Rodents Of Unusual Size from the Princess Bride. Some of her stories about walking Caplin Rous are priceless. Read the whole thing for some great fun, but here's a few highlights:
"In a single word, I would describe him as needy. He always wants to be with me and can “eep” loudly if he knows I am nearby but he can’t get to me. He follows me around the house and the yard and expects me to watch him while he swims or grazes. He panics if he doesn’t know where I am. When he thinks it’s time for me to come home from work, he will go to the gate and wait for me."

"When people hear him they are always amazed. His voice is often mistaken for a birdsong. When he’s nervous he sounds like the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park. When he’s happy he sounds like a Geiger counter."

Link

The capybara looks very noble and dignified in that picture. But these creatures roam over large areas, right? Not meant to live on a backyard swimming in a plastic pool.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
and dogs are supposed to be wolves that have large territories. sometimes life just doesn't work out the way nature intended. if he's got a good life, then it's not such a bad thing. i'm not saying everyone should go out and buy one...but responsible pet ownership isn't a bad thing.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
emmiline, dogs have been regularly domesticated for the last 150 centuries. Also, "good life" is a naive anthropomorphization, the animal's relation with his species and natural habitat has been cut short, how can that be a good thing?
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
He needs a girlfriend. Instead, he's in an unnatural environment and is psychologically disturbed. Wild animals aren't meant to fulfill selfish, narcissistic human control freaks, Get an ear piercing, buy a stupid sports car and let the rat out of his cage - permanently.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Hey now, stop slamming Caplin Rous for living the high life. It's too late to drop him off in the wild to fend for himself now... I mean, once you got a kiddy pool you can't ever do without one!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
"Most people have no idea what he is and some take that as a personal affront, angry that such an animal could even exist."

Oh, I know a couple of those type of folks. Oy vey!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
lmao - I say he has a GREAT life. These guys are hunted and eaten more than deer in their native land. That, and they are constantly under attack by alligators, anacondas, panthers... hell, if I had the choice I'd live his life rather than a brief and bitter existence in the Amazon!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
While I agree that capybaras shouldn't be kept as pets by the general public, I believe Caplin's owner has done more than most dog and cat owners do. You people are judging this lady on this one article, yet if you took the time to read more about her, you'd find that she educates people all the time about this unusual animal. She has written a children's book, and has a website for Caplin as well.
Just because Caplin is not a more common pet like a dog or cat, doesn't mean he can't be a great pet for the right owner. He's a rodent, and by his very nature has the ability to adapt, as can be seen in the various videos he has. As with ANY animal, research is the key.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I have known about capybaras for over forty years.
There is nothing wrong with having one as a pet
as long as you know what you are doing ahead of time.
They are primarily outdoor animals and need to gnaw
on hardwood to keep their teeth in good condition.
AND PLEASE REMEMBER,they are vegetarians.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Click here to access all of this post's 22 comments




Email This Post to a Friend
"Interview With A Capybara Owner"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More