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London Zoo opens spa-inspired capybara home
Gizmo and Kiwi will be able to demonstrate their swimming skills in their indoor and outdoor pools.
Gizmo and Kiwi have explored their new luxury enclosure.

London Zoo has welcomed a pair of capybaras to a brand new, spa-inspired home at the conservation zoo.

Gizmo and Kiwi, a brother-sister duo, were introduced to their permanent home last week after a stay in their balmy indoor bathing pool.

The capybaras were originally only planned to take a temporary ‘city-break’ at London Zoo. However, having settled in well, the organisation decided to build them a permanent new home.

The spa-inspired pad includes two pools, mud-bath wallows and climate-controlled zones.

Kiwi was the first to explore her new home, trotting outside ahead of her brother into their luxury new home. Although Gizmo was more reluctant to face the chilly air, he was soon outside with his sister.

The siblings inspected every corner of their new home, stopping only to enjoy the morning sun.

Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are semi-aquatic, with their scientific name translating to ‘water pig’. Their physiology includes partially-webbed feet, with eyes and nostrils located at the top of their head like a snorkel.

Gizmo and Kiwi are adept swimmers, and so London Zoo visitors will be able to see the pair demonstrating their skills in the outdoor pool, which is naturally filtered by bulrushes. Their new home also features an indoor, heated bathing pool which helps keep their skin moisturised.

After their swim, the capybaras can head to their climate-controlled indoor zone to bask under UV lamps and enjoy some peace and quiet.

The capybaras will also take part in daily training sessions with their keepers, which also supports the care team to perform basic health checks.

Visitors at London Zoo can now see both Gizmo and Kiwi in their new home.

Image © Tim Whitby/ZSL

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.