The Ultimate Capybara Experience in Pingtung, Taiwan

Hot spring, breathtaking scenery, and adorable capybaras - the famous Sichongxi Hot Spring Park (四重溪溫泉公園) in Pingtung County has them all. 

Located in Checheng Township, the newly-opened Capybara Park (卡比園區) features a large capybara enclosure, food and drink booths, a yukata rental booth, and a capybara-themed souvenir shop. 

My interest in capybaras began when I adopted guinea pigs of my own; both capybaras and guinea pigs belong to the order Rodentia and are native to South America. 

While guinea pigs are domesticated cavies, capybaras are still largely considered wild animals. However, captive-bred capybaras are socialised, like the ones in this Capybara Park. 

Imagine my delight when I chanced upon this park on my way to the hot spring. Serendipity at its finest, getting up close and personal with capybaras? That's one thing on my bucket list I've been wanting to do！ 

The Capybara Park is spacious, with a small pond running across the enclosure to provide a swimming spot for the animals. Hutches are built all over the area, creating a respite from the heat in the different seasons as well.

Basic etiquette including being gentle towards the capybaras is enforced here. Of course, how could anyone even think of abusing these gentle giant rodents (or even any animals) are beyond me. 

Meet shy and sweet Fu Bao (福寳) who is still a toddler capybara and have yet gotten used to the throngs of strangers. 

The guides in the park are very friendly and have given me some tips on feeding: hold the stalks of hay by the end as the capybaras might snatch it aggressively; the leaf blades are sharp enough to cut. Without food in the equation, the capybaras are absolutely docile and tame.

Upon my first step into the park, being late for my slot and all, I was a little crestfallen as all the capybaras within my sight are occupied with other visitors. That was until one of the guides amiably pointed at Fu Bao who was resting right beside the gate. 

Yes, so keep your eyes peeled, there may be camouflaged capybaras who are snoozing just next to you. 

Meet the affectionate Hana (はな) in the Old Folks' Corner (as coined by the guides). The older capybaras are friendly, having being no stranger towards visitors after the long years. Not shying away from the appealing stalks of hay, they will come right up to you for food and then stay for the pats. 

Hana enjoys being caressed on her head and her little feet, occasionally purring to show her content. 

Some facts about Capybaras:

• Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and they can grow up to 130cm.
• Capybaras are semi-aquatic, they have webbed feet and are excellent swimmers.
• Capybaras (like guinea pigs) are social animals and they live in groups. 
• Capybaras are herbivores and their diet includes hay and plants as well as the occasional fruits and vegetables. 

Catch the snoozing older capybaras deep within the park while keep a watch out for the younger, more alert capybaras scattered about. If you are lucky, you may even encounter the scene of capybaras playing catch. 

Capybaras are indeed peaceful and non-aggressive animals, living in harmony with the nature. I'd definitely make a trip to this park again.

Do take note that the entrance ticket is priced at NTD200 for adults and NTD50 for children. Visitors are entitled to 30 minutes of entry and exploration within the park with the timeslot starting from 1.30pm. All visitors are also provided stalks of hay to feed and interact with the capybaras. 

Capybara Park Address:
Checheng Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 944
溫泉路玉泉巷30-10號 溫泉公園 (卡比園區)

The Capybara Park is under the same company operating Paradise of Deer, another petting zoo with local sika deer and capybaras.

Before you leave, why not head for a refreshing soak at the hot spring park nearby? 

The Sichongxi Hot Spring Park is one of the four major hot spring spots in Taiwan, alongside the famous Beitou and Yangmingshan in Taipei, and Guanziling in Tainan. 

The hot spring in Sichongxi has many kind of minerals which helps in promoting blood circulation and relieving tired muscles. Moreover, the park is absolutely dazzling at night with the light displays. In the day, the park is picturesque and famed for its natural scenery having located in the mountains. 

Sichongxi Hot Spring Park Address: 
Checheng Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 944