Capybara Chillout Returns May 24 – July 20 with Playful New Faces
CLEARWATER, FL (May 13, 2025) — Something squeaky and adorable is coming back to Clearwater Marine Aquarium – capybaras! Starting Memorial Day Weekend, guests can once again enjoy the charming chaos of the Capybara Chillout, featuring a new family of four 8-week-old capybaras ready to win hearts and steal the show.
In partnership with Amazing Animals, Inc., these social, semi-aquatic rodents will be making daily appearances from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., now through July 20. Watch them splash, snack, and snuggle in a specially designed habitat that lets their natural personalities shine.
Included in general admission: Watching the capys at play in their habitat.
Capybara Encounters – Up Close & Personal
Want more than just a peek? For guests looking for a one-of-a-kind animal experience, Capybara Meet & Greets offer an unforgettable chance to get up close with our furry friends. Held four times daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30 p.m., these small-group sessions (up to 12 participants) allow guests to interact with the capybaras under the guidance of our expert animal care team.
Cost: $59.95 per person
Reservations recommended (space is limited and not included in general admission.)
For tickets and information, please visit cmaquarium.org.
Why Capybaras?
Native to Central and South America, capybaras are the world’s largest rodents—and also some of the most laid-back. Their name roughly translates to “grass eater,” and with good reason: they can munch through up to 8 pounds of vegetation a day! These web-footed swimmers are known for their chill vibes, love of water, and strong social bonds—often living in groups of 10–20 in the wild.
Fast Facts:
- Adults weigh 60–174 lbs and measure up to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Baby capybaras are called pups
- Excellent swimmers thanks to their webbed feet
- Natural predators include jaguars, caimans, and large birds of prey—but the biggest threat is humans, due to poaching and habitat loss
Important Note: While capybaras make amazing animal ambassadors, they’re not legal to own as pets in states like California and Georgia.
This summer, take a break from the ordinary and chill out with the coolest crew in town. Whether you’re watching them play or getting hands-on in an encounter, the Capybara Chillout promises plenty of smiles and squeaks for all ages.
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization