Eight people arrested in Brazil for 'brutal' attack on capybaraWounds are seen on the muzzle of a capybara under care at the Center for Wildlife Animal Recovery of Estacio de Sa University in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilRIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) - Rio de Janeiro police said Monday they had arrested eight people for brutally beating a capybara -- the world's largest rodent whose chill demeanor has inspired countless memes online in recent years. Resembling a giant, gentle guinea pig, the shaggy, light brown capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is often seen roaming in the Brazilian city, particularly near streams and lagoons. "It is an act of extreme cruelty toward a creature that posed absolutely no threat...yet was deliberately attacked nonetheless," he added. The attackers -- including two minors -- were identified through CCTV footage and arrested on Saturday, police said in a statement. The capybara, a 65-kilogram (143-pound) male, was taken to the Wildlife Care Center (CRAS) at the private Estacio University in southwestern Rio.

Source: Bangkok Post March 24, 2026 04:17 UTC