Rare South American rodents move to Leeds

The Aberford attraction has become the only zoo in the UK to be home to a group of rare Chacoan maras, a South American relative of the guinea pig and one of the world’s largest rodents.

The new additions arrived from Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic and, once they’ve settled in, can take part in an international breeding programme to help protect the animals for future generations.

Only a handful of zoos across Europe have the animals in captivity and the breeding programme has been on the lookout for new sites.

Chacoan maras are native to the forests and grasslands of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia and are in decline in the wild. Living in small groups, they eat mostly grass but will eat almost any available vegetation.

Robert Young, head keeper at Lotherton, said: “We’re really pleased to have the maras on site and to be doing our bit to protect another vulnerable species whose habitat is under threat in the wild.

“Maras can be quite shy but they’ve been getting to know their new surroundings and interacting with one another and settling in really well. In time, we hope this group will breed and help boost the population of this rare and intriguing animal.”

The maras have joined a number of other vulnerable species being supported by Lotherton Wildlife World including Chilean flamingos, critically endangered Visayan warty pigs and Arthur, the attraction’s resident tapir.

Coun Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and active lifestyles, said:“It’s always exciting to welcome new additions to Wildlife World and I know visitors will really enjoy meeting the maras and learning more about their lives, habitats and the threats they face in the wild.

“Wildlife World is not only a great family day out, we’re also very proud of the work we’re doing to conserve some of our planet’s vulnerable species and give them a safe and sustainable future.”