Buffalo Zoo Mourns Loss of Beloved Capybara Rosie
The Buffalo Zoo has recently shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of Rosie, a 11-year-old female capybara, whose unique presence made her a beloved resident.
Located in Buffalo, New York, the zoo reported on social media that after careful consideration, their animal care and veterinary teams made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Rosie due to her declining health. Capybaras, known as the largest rodents in the world, typically have a median survival age of just over eight years, making Rosie's life commendably long.
Born in 2013 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Rosie moved to her new home in Buffalo less than a year later. Visitors to the zoo would often find her in her habitat within the Rainforest Falls section, where many were drawn to her gentle demeanor. While capybaras are known to be social animals, Rosie had her quirks; she preferred solitude and often rejected introductions to newcomers, choosing instead to spend time with her neighbors—the turtles and geese that shared her environment.
During her time at the zoo, Rosie had brief companionship with a male capybara but never had any offspring, highlighting her unique and independent spirit. Capybaras are native to South America and are semi-aquatic, traits that Rosie embodied in her habitat, often seen lounging peacefully by the water.
As the zoo mourns Rosie's loss, they invite the community and visitors to share their memories and experiences of her. This call for remembrance not only commemorates Rosie's life but also encourages others who met her to reflect on the joy she brought during her time at the zoo.