Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Welcomes Capybara Social Media Star from Sacramento Zoo

January 23, 2025

One-year-old male “Donatello” joins the Zoo family as a companion for three-year-old female “Wendy” 

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is excited to welcome a one-year-old male capybara, Donatello, to the zoo family. Donatello will join Happy Hollow’s three-year-old female capybara, Wendy, in the capybara habitat. Donatello was born at the Sacramento Zoo in July 2023 and quickly became a social media star, earning his name due to his inclination to pick-up sticks in his mouth and swing them around like a Bo Staff. Donatello’s move to Happy Hollow comes as a recommendation from the Capybara Species Survival Plan, a program of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), of which Happy Hollow is an accredited member.  

Species Survival Plans take into account the genetics of every member of a species currently housed at AZA-Accredited facilities and partner facilities and serve the important role of coordinating the placement of individual members of a species at zoos and sanctuaries nationwide to support the genetic health and long-term viability of the species.  

Some recommendations, such as this one, are not for breeding purposes but for companionship among non-breeding individuals. Donatello’s introduction to Wendy provides companionship for both. It also creates a small capybara herd at Happy Hollow, which in the wild can range from just one or two individuals up to 30 or more in unique circumstances. Breeding is not recommended because the two capybaras are distantly related.

 

“We have been working with our colleagues at the Sacramento Zoo since the recommendation was issued to plan a safe and stress-free transfer for Donatello on both ends,” said Amber Rindy, Happy Hollow Zoo Manager. “Donatello arrived at Happy Hollow last month and after a successful introduction with our resident female capybara, Wendy, both can now be viewed on habitat together.” 

Capybaras are known for their love of water in their native habitats in Central and South America and even have webbed feet for swimming, unusual among mammals. They are cousins to domestic guinea pigs and considered the largest living rodent. When threatened, a capybara can stay underwater for up to five minutes to hide from predators. Capybaras are not considered threatened, but they are a critical part of the endangered Amazon Rainforest ecosystem. By allowing zoo visitors to see these giant rodents in person, Happy Hollow hopes to kindle a spirit of environmental conservation in guests.  

“We know that Capybara Donatello was much loved at the Sacramento Zoo, both by zoo visitors and social media followers, and Happy Hollow is excited to continue sharing his story with animal lovers and conservation advocates,” said Caitlin O’Hara, Happy Hollow Conservation & Communications Manager. “Be on the lookout for Donatello’s content on Happy Hollow’s social media channels as he settles into his new home.” 

Visitors may also notice an area of work-in-progress next to the current capybara habitat as the Happy Hollow maintenance team works on expanding the current habitat, with funding support from Happy Hollow Foundation. When completed, Capybaras Donatello and Wendy will have access to an expansion yard that will increase their space choices, give zoo visitors more vantage points from which to view the animals and give zookeepers more options for moving animals around for husbandry or veterinary care purposes. The expansion is expected to open later this year. 

Donatello is adjusting well to his new habitat and particularly enjoying swimming in his new pool, despite the chilly weather. He and Wendy are getting along well and can often be seen resting together in the sun or swimming in the pool.  

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is currently open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, except for planned closures on Wednesdays, Jan. 22 and 29. For Sacramento Zoo Members who want to visit Donatello in his new home, Happy Hollow is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s reciprocal Membership program and offers a discount to members of other participating zoos and aquariums. Simply show your membership card from Sacramento Zoo or another participating facility when you purchase your admission ticket on-site at Happy Hollow. Check the operating calendar and plan your visit now at www.happyhollow.org/visit  

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About the City of San José  
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California’s largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.   

About Happy Hollow Park & Zoo 
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has provided outdoor play to the Bay Area since 1961. Happy Hollow is a facility of the San José Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Department, and is supported by the Happy Hollow Foundation. The mission of Happy Hollow is connecting people to nature through play. Happy Hollow features a unique combination of family rides and amusements, a Puppet Castle Theater, nature themed play areas, special events for all seasons, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo, and a zoo education and wildlife conservation program with classes and camps for all ages. Happy Hollow also offers annual memberships for families and individuals. www.happyhollow.org

 

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Media Contact 
Caitlin O’Hara, Conservation & Communications Manager 
408-838-2859, [email protected] 

 Photos and B-roll available online

Note: Happy Hollow Park & Zoo does not allow unscheduled media visits inside the facility. Due to the great amount of time required for the care of our zoo animals, all animal care staff interviews must be scheduled in advance. Please reach out to the media contact above to schedule an interview or facility visit.