Let me ask you this: Are you getting enough rodent love in your life? Perhaps you've been longing for the gentle caress of a whiskered, buck-toothed beast? Well, look no further! The Wild Animal Park in Chittenango has teased on Facebook that it will soon be offering the chance to get up close and personal with capybaras:

Capybara encounters anyone??? We will soon offer a unique up close experience with our two adorable capybaras, Peanut Butter and Jelly. Stay tuned...

The Wild Animal Park via Facebook

ABOUT CAPYBARAS

Capybaras have developed a cult following over the years with people, and for good reason-- they're fascinating creatures with several interesting traits.

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Capybaras are the world's largest living rodent, often weighing as much as dogs. (The biggest capybara ever recorded was 201 lbs.!) They're native to South America and spend most of their time in vegetation near water. They're considered semi-aquatic, as their partially-webbed feet make them excellent swimmers. Capybaras are very social and have an even-keeled temperament around people and other animals, earning them the nickname "nature's peacekeepers."

WILD ANIMAL PARK

Wild Animal Park via Facebook

Chittenango's Wild Animal Park is located on 14 acres near the Central New York village of Chittenango. In addition to the capybaras, they have several "A-list" animals, including giraffes, lions, tigers and grizzly bears. Wild Animal Park is open weekdays from 10am to 5pm, Saturdays from 9:30am to 6pm, and Sundays from 9:30am to 5pm.

Scurry over to their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all the rodent happenings at Wild Animal Park.

The 10 Deadliest Animals at the Utica Zoo, Ranked

Thankfully, the Utica Zoo is pretty safe. But that doesn't mean you'd want to come face-to-face with every single animal who lives there.

The Best "Zoo" in New York is In a Tiny, Rural Upstate New York Village!

There are many excellent zoos in Upstate New York. Most of them (not all) are located in the larger cities like Binghamton, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, etc. On the smaller, but no less wonderful size, Zoo New York is a special treat in the North Country (Watertown). But Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, NY (Broome County) stands heads and tails above them all (in this writer's opinion). It does not have all the whiz-bang, sophisticated accouterments one expects at a modern, urban zoo. But what it lacks in that category, it totally makes up for in charm, live animal encounters, and a drive-through zoo experience that is the best in the state. So, while we will never put Animal Adventure Park up against say, the Bronx Zoo and its million annual visitors, we think this rural park is outstanding in every way. Here are a bunch of reasons you should visit this amazing place this summer!

"Wait, There's More!" 'Lions and Tigers and Bears (Oh My)' at These 15 Great Upstate New York Zoos

This is a list of many Upstate zoos, animal sanctuaries, animal rescue farms, and adventure parks where the whole family can visit and get close to nature and mingle with some of the most impressive animals anywhere.

Source: CNY Zoo Will Soon Let You Cuddle the World’s Largest Rodent

Filed Under: Utica News

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