The captivating capybara quartet, adored worldwide for their amiable disposition and sociable nature, made their debut at 8:30 am, much to the delight of eager onlookers.
A special event, indeed, as dozens of visitors gathered to catch a glimpse of these gentle creatures, with some lucky ones even getting the chance to feed and pet Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong.
True to their reputation, the four capybaras charmed the crowd with their friendly and endearing interactions, captivating all with their unique personalities.
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| The famous four: Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong captivate audiences at Saigon Zoo. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre |
Le Huu Phuoc, the zoo’s hoofed animal team leader, provided insight into distinguishing these fascinating creatures. Phu, the largest male, is known for his affectionate nature and enjoys a good scratch.
Quy, with his distinctive black spots near his right eye, is a camera lover, often posing for close-ups. Cat, a female with darker fur, has an adorable quirk of carrying grass in her mouth while napping.
Tuong, the smallest female, has a unique habit of resting her face against walls, adding to the quartet’s endearing quirks.
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| Visitors interact with the friendly foursome at Saigon Zoo. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre |
Nguyen Xuan Dung, a 31-year-old visitor from District 7, expressed his excitement after finally meeting the famous four in person, having followed their journey online. “They’re so calm and adorable,” he gushed.
According to Mai Khac Trung Truc, director of the zoo’s animal division, the capybara family joined the zoo about a month ago and underwent a quarantine period for health monitoring and personality assessment.
Capybaras thrive in warm climates, and the zoo has taken extra steps to ensure their comfort by installing a misting system and a water pool in their enclosure to maintain high humidity.
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| A fan of the capybaras, Tan Tai, enjoys feeding them at the zoo. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre |
The quartet, along with the zoo’s arctic fox duo, An Khang and Thinh Vuong, extend a warm New Year’s greeting to all visitors, with their names holding a special meaning.
“An Khang Thinh Vuong” and “Phu Quy Cat Tuong” are popular Vietnamese phrases conveying blessings and good wishes, especially during the Lunar New Year, symbolizing prosperity, harmony, peace, and success.
The capybara family has quickly become a beloved attraction at the Saigon Zoo, with their endearing habits and charming personalities, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories.
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| Cat, the female capybara, enjoys a good neck scratch. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre |
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| Cat’s fluffy fur and stillness make her a favorite for visitors’ scratches. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre |
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| Capybaras are herbivores and enjoy a healthy diet. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre |
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| Capybaras love humid areas and often soak in water. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre |
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