Meet Cinnamon the Capybara, the worlds most famous Capybara....
Learn more about Capybara
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, native to South America’s rivers, wetlands, and grasslands. Recognizable by their large, barrel-shaped bodies, short fur, and calm, friendly faces, they are social, gentle, and highly adaptable.
These herbivores feed mainly on grasses, aquatic plants, and fruits. Excellent swimmers, capybaras spend much of their time in or near water, using it for safety, cooling off, and social interaction. They live in groups, showing strong social bonds and cooperative behaviours.
At Hoo Zoo, our Capybara helps visitors learn about the fascinating adaptations of semi-aquatic mammals, the importance of social behaviours, and the need to conserve wetland habitats. Observing these gentle, curious animals up close gives visitors a chance to appreciate their social intelligence, adaptability, and important role in their ecosystems. And meet the world famous Cinnamon!
Cinnamon the capybara became an unexpected international star in September 2024 after she escaped from her enclosure at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, near Telford. What began as a local animal escape story quickly grew into a worldwide phenomenon, capturing the imagination of people across the globe.
News of Cinnamon’s adventure spread rapidly across social media, news outlets, and television networks, with coverage reaching audiences in China, Japan, the United States, Australia, and many other countries. In total, Cinnamon’s story is estimated to have been seen by over one billion people worldwide, making her one of the most talked-about animals of the year.
As interest grew, a specialist team of more than a dozen experts assembled by the zoo carried out extensive searches day and night. After a week, Cinnamon was safely captured on Friday afternoon, 20th September 2024, following a sighting in a pond within the zoo’s woodland conservation area.
Her story has inspired a childrens book and animation
Zoo owner Will Dorrell said:
“We never imagined that Cinnamon’s adventure would resonate with so many people around the world. The scale of the global attention has been extraordinary, and we’re incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support and goodwill shown from every corner of the globe.”
He added:
“Most importantly, Cinnamon is now safe, healthy, and back where she belongs. While millions of people have followed her story, nobody is happier to have her home than her own family here at the zoo.”
Join our mailing list ot be the first to know about upcoming events!
To guarantee entry on the day, it’s essential that tickets are pre-booked. This can be done online through our ticketing system.
Book Your Tickets
