Lotte World Aquarium in Seoul has opened a new capybara exhibit. Native to South America, capybaras are the largest rodents (adults can reach about 1 m long and 60 kg) and their name in an indigenous language means “ruler of the plains,” yet they are gentle and highly sociable. Popular on YouTube as “healing animals,” capybaras enjoy water—webbed toes make them strong swimmers and divers. The aquarium’s dedicated “capybara tank” on basement level 1 recreates their ecological needs with deep water for swimming and resting areas. Aquarists provide regular health checks and nutrition care to help them adapt. The aquarium will offer ecology briefings, feeding-focused and observation programs that minimize direct contact, plus a photo zone, themed food, and merchandise. The facility says the exhibit aims to give visitors a calming experience while promoting interest in aquatic worlds and ecosystem conservation.
