Reid Park Zoo’s last remaining Capybara died unexpectedly this week, zoo officials announced Saturday.
Hendrix died of inoperable gastrointestinal issues. His female mate, Siren, died in January.
“Capybaras (the world’s largest rodents) are popular at zoos, including Reid Park Zoo, and Hendrix will be dearly missed,” Adam Ramsey, the zoo’s director of animal care, said in a post on Facebook.
Capybaras naturally inhabit South America’s waterways and forests.
Every Wednesday in July is Watermelon Wednesday at Reid Park Zoo. This weeks Watermelon celebration included African spotted-necked otter, capybaras, Grevy's zebra, Andean bears, the elephants, and ring-tailed lemurs. The various animal species enjoyed cool watermelon popsicles and feeders filled with slices of watermelon inside of their habitat.
Ramsey described Hendrix as having a strong personality that “endeared him to his keepers.” He was also a bit of a trickster, he said.
“Despite having a large pool to swim in, which he did regularly use, his favorite spot was to sit inside a small water tub that barely fit him,” Ramsey explained.
“When keepers would fill up water bowls, Hendrix liked to flip them over as they were filling them so they would have to do it all again.”
Despite his shenanigans, zoo staff loved Hendrix and did all they could with the help of animal care and veterinary teams to keep him alive.
“I want to thank our team at the zoo who provided Hendrix with extra care and attention, doing everything humanly possible to see him through this challenging time,” Ramsey said.
Hendrix, the only remaining Capybara at Reid Park Zoo, died unexpectedly this week, officials said.
Zoo attendees flocked to the zoo’s Facebook announcement to share their memories about both Hendrix and Siren, and how the capybaras were always their first stops inside the zoo.
“We were blessed to have been able to see them together in December of 2024,” a woman posted underneath the announcement. “Every time we made a trip to AZ we had to stop to see the Capybaras. We are so saddened by this news. I hope they knew how much we enjoyed and loved them!”
Another mother commented on the sadness of the situation, but remained grateful for the time Hendrix spent with the zoo guests.
“My kids and I will miss him so much. Thanks for all the happiness you shared with our community, Hendrix.”
