Famous Capybara to Spend Christmas with Family at Zoo

Cinnamon, the capybara who received fan mail globally following her recent significant escape from a Shropshire zoo, is scheduled to spend Christmas Day privately within her enclosure, away from public attention and media coverage. The adventurous one-year-old rodent will stay at the zoo with her family, comprising her parents and her brother, Churro. For keepers at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford, Christmas Day is a unique occasion, allowing them dedicated time with their preferred animals while the facility is closed to visitors. Similar to many young individuals, Cinnamon will receive presents, treats, and participate in games on Christmas Day, with care taken to limit her sugar intake. Reports of Cinnamon’s escape in September garnered global attention, with media outlets in regions as distant as North America covering the event. Animal enthusiasts closely tracked her narrative during the week she was at large, prior to her discovery in a conservation zone adjacent to the zoo. Having achieved global recognition, Cinnamon and her significant escapade have inspired internet memes, various merchandise, a musical composition, and a children’s book, all of which are intended to generate funds for the zoo. Following her escape, zoo keepers have been sent emails from members of the public expressing concern for her well-being and inquiring about her condition. Will Dorrell, the zoo owner, stated that letters have also been received from various international locations, such as Australia, America, and Canada. Additionally, keepers have received drawings and paintings depicting Cinnamon and anticipate further artwork for the rodent as the holiday season nears, suggesting the possibility of presents for Cinnamon on Christmas Day morning. The Christmas dinner served in the capybara enclosure will feature sweet potato, identified as Cinnamon’s preferred food. She also enjoys “a bit of banana,” though her consumption is limited due to its high sugar content. Cinnamon’s first birthday occurred during her period at large, but she celebrated it at the zoo in October, following her discovery and return. Keepers prepared a birthday cake for her by steaming and mashing her favorite food, shaping it into a cake, then wrapping it in banana leaves and presenting it within a pumpkin for her consumption. “She loved it,” Dorrell stated, though he conceded it appeared “a bit gross.” Cinnamon had already reached her first birthday by that point, but approximately 500 individuals attended the zoo in October for her official birthday party to partake in the festivities. Dorrell mentioned that all animals at Hoo Zoo receive primarily food-based treats during Christmas. Keepers distribute food within treat balls, akin to those utilized for horses, enabling the animals to search for and interact with them to extract the food items. Dorrell affirmed that all animals receive equitable treatment. He stated, “All of the animals get treats, and Cinnamon and all the capybaras get the same.” He added that it is “difficult not to single her out because of how much fuss she caused,” likening the situation to “a bit like children.” On Christmas Day, keepers continue to rise early, arriving at the zoo by 05:00 GMT, where they can enjoy time with the animals while the facility remains closed to the public. This specific period of zoo closure encompasses Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, with the site scheduled to reopen on 27 December. However, it is improbable that the animals will gather for communal festivities. Dorrell commented, “I don’t think it’s too much of a party from the animals’ point of view,” adding, “They are pretty nonplussed about the whole thing.” He indicated that a Christmas party ambiance would commence from 27 December, upon the zoo’s reopening to the public, potentially influencing the animals at that time. Regarding Cinnamon’s future in the new year and whether she has developed a penchant for adventure, Dorrell stated that the gate system has been modified since her escape. He believes she escaped within approximately 90 seconds when the gates were open after a keeper entered her enclosure with a tractor for mowing. Dorrell noted that the keeper involved was deeply embarrassed, having never committed such an error previously. He further mentioned that the tractor backfired concurrently, which might have startled Cinnamon, prompting her to flee. Alternatively, she might have observed the open gate and seized the opportunity. Regardless, Dorrell confirmed she did not venture far, traveling only approximately 250 meters from her habitat. For Cinnamon, it appears the adage “there’s no place like home” holds true. Information regarding BBC Shropshire is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Details concerning our external linking policy are accessible.