An Australian zoo has set up a live stream of its Capybara enclosure so that animal lovers can keep up to speed with their favourite giant rodents.
Viewers can now watch round-the-clock footage of Sydney-based Taronga Zoo's five capybaras - brothers named Pedro, Sanchez, Guillermo, Carlos and Rodney - from the safety of their homes while the facility remains closed to the public during the Covid-19 crisis.
Capybaras are the largest rodents on earth and are related to the guinea pig.
Native to South America, the semi-aquatic mammals are equally at home on land or in water and known for their gregarious nature.
According to Taronga Zoo, the charismatic animals "like to express themselves and communicate by purring, barking, cackling, whistling, squealing, whining, grunting and teeth-chattering".
Announcing plans to keep fans of the zoo's residents updated, Taronga said it would be launching a range of live cam streams "over the coming weeks".
"We will be bringing the Zoo to you, directly into your living room!" it added.
The zoo has set up other live-stream cameras at enclosures holding tigers, otters, elephants, and meerkats, among other animals.
Footage of their daily escapades is just the latest in a string of animal-friendly behind-the-scenes content that has circulated online as zoos and conservation centres worldwide close their doors to the public.
