UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE CAPYBARAS @ HOBBLEDOWN EPSOM…

Posted by Devenia Besant on 01 May 2026

Last week we had the privelege of meeting Churros and Taquito – two of the resident Capybaras at Hobbledown and what a perfect afternoon it was.

The “Feed the Capybara” experience is a 20 minute interaction with the Capybaras in their enclosure accompanied by a keeper and obviously some of their favourite food – sweet potatoes, sweetcorn and beetroot)!!!

Daisy was our keeper for the day, she ensured we signed the disclaimer online and suggested we wear plastic gloves. The brothers are 3 years old and weigh around 55kg and sweet potato seemed to be their favourite!

On entering the enclosure the boys were doing their own thing – one of them was in the water and the other asleep in his shelter but you are advised to choose a spot to sit down, obviously keeping still and quiet.  With a little bit of encouragement from Daisy and once they got a whiff of the goodies they made their way over – quite tentative at first but within a few minutes they were almost on our laps 🤣

They love a deep scratch and apparently sometimes they will roll over and have their belly rubbed – their hair is incredibly thick and course so you won’t get away with stroking them like a cat.

We also found out plenty of facts:

– they can weight up to 70kg
– they are the worlds largest rodent
– their teeth grow continuously
– they are semi aquatic and can spend 5 minutes under water
– they can run quick! Up to 22mph

I don’t know what I was expecting but I’ve got to say I have not met a more relaxed, calm natured non domestic animal – the 20 minutes we spent with them could have gone on for hours, we were incredibly lucky with the weather – the sun was shining and it was dry but it is worth dressing weather appropriate – they do recommend Wellies for the experience just in case.

The ‘Feed the Capybara’s’ experience is incredibly popular and with daily sessions only at 12.00pm or 2.30pm most days it will be best to plan ahead and book it in – may be for a special birthday, its a great alternative gift.  You can also upgrade your visit to include afternoon tea so after decompressing with the boys you can sit and relax with a tea and a scone.