Roger Williams Park Zoo Adds Adorable New Capybara

Roger Williams Park Zoo has announced the arrival of a new addition in the Faces of the Rainforest building— Carsie, the capybara.

Yes, for the first time in the zoo's 154-year history, a capybara is permanently calling the Providence zoo home. And people are very excited to meet him.

Using the zoo's socials and a very well-timed "Real Housewives of Roger Williams Park Zoo" video, the zoo announced to followers the arrival of a five-year-old capybara that is taking up residence in a very familiar spot inside the rainforest building.

A New Chapter After the Otters

Just before the 2025 holiday season, zoo staff sadly announced the passing of their beloved giant river otter brothers, Fernando and Romo. The elderly otter brothers had died within days of each other after both suffering from chronic illnesses and their absence in the rainforest building has been felt ever since.

READ MORE: Roger Williams Park Zoo Loses River Otter Brothers Days Apart

Now their huge, water-filled home that takes up an entire wall with the Faces of the Rainforest has an adorable new resident that guests hope to be visiting for years to come.

What to Know Before You Visit

Carsie the capybara is officially on exhibit at the zoo, though zoo staff tell us he may not be viewable every time you visit. Carsie is still getting used to his new home and though he is adapting very quickly, there may be times when he hides away from large, overwhelming crowds.

The space Carsie is calling home has rocks on which he can climb, water for him to swim and play in, but also a quieter back area where he can go at will if needed and not be seen by guests.

My daughters and I definitely hope this isn't the case when we first stop by the zoo to see the newest inhabitant. Like many kids today, both of my daughters love capybaras and cannot wait to see Carsie for themselves.

READ MORE: New Giant Bug Exhibit Opening This April at Roger Williams Park Zoo

We even have our fingers crossed an animal encounter with Carsie might be offered by the zoo once he fully adjusts to his new surroundings.

Either way, a capybara is a fantastic new addition to the rainforest building and just another great reason to be visiting Roger Williams Park in Providence this spring.

Why This Spring Is the Perfect Time to Visit Roger Williams Park

With new animals on exhibit, a new immersive display on the wetlands trail, and a new season of fairy houses at the Botanical Garden, I'm pretty sure Roger Williams Park will be the place to go on April vacation.