Buffalo Zoo welcomes male capybara named Mozzarella
We’re cheesin’ over our newest animal arrival!
Meet Mozzarella, a 7-month-old male capybara who recently arrived at the Buffalo Zoo and is now on exhibit regularly in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls!
Mozzarella was born on Nov. 21, 2025 at the Cape May County Zoo in Middle Township, New Jersey and comes to Buffalo on a Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
It is anticipated that a female capybara will arrive at the Buffalo Zoo in the fall or winter of 2026 and eventually pair with Mozzarella, in hopes that the two can successfully breed.
“The moment you see Mozzarella, it’s hard not to fall in love,” said Buffalo Zoo President & CEO, Lisa Smith. “His sweet nature and expressive personality have already captured our hearts, and we’re so excited to share him with our community. We hope every guest who meets him leaves with a smile, a new appreciation for wildlife, and a deeper connection to the natural world we all share.”
Despite being a little shy at first, Mozzarella is now exploring his new habitat with plenty of curiosity and intrigue, and his sweet nature has already captured the hearts of our staff!
Capybaras are classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but despite their overall healthy population, they still face threats in the wild such as habitat loss and overhunting. Mozzarella will undoubtedly serve as a great ambassador for his wild counterparts to educate visitors on the importance of conservation.
Capybaras are native to portions of every South American country except Chile. They are semiaquatic and typically reside near and in bodies of water. As herbivores, they feed largely on grasses and aquatic plants.
Measuring up to 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and weighing up to 170 pounds, capybaras are the largest rodent on Earth.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by M&T Bank Rainforest Falls and welcome Mozzarella to his new home in Buffalo during their next visit.
The Buffalo Zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance online at buffalozoo.org, or in-person at the front entrance gate.
