Brookfield Zoo Add Capybaras and Bronze Gorilla

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 24, 2021 1:00 am

One of three capybaras that can be seen at Brookfield Zoo. Native to southern Central America and northern South America, the capybara is the world’s largest rodent, weighing between 110 to 135 pounds depending on the sex. The last time the species resided at Brookfield Zoo was in 1977—over 40 years ago.

Photo Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo have unveiled two new attractions ready to delight guests. A trip of capybara, the world’s largest rodents have taken up residence at the Pachyderm House while the world’s largest bronze gorilla sculpture is now on display at the zoo.

The capybaras are two females and one male aged between 8 months and two years old. It has been over 40 years since this species last called Brookfield Zoo home.

Capybara are found in parts of Central and South America near ponds, streams and lakes. They have partially webbed feet for swimming and can remain underwater for up to 5 minutes to help escape their predators.

King Nyani, the largest bronze gorilla sculpture in the world has a permanent home at Brookfield Zoo. The interactive sculpture was created by renowned public artists Gillie and Marc Schattner to raise awareness on the importance of the critically endangered gorilla. The sculpture, which is located just inside the zoo’s north entrance, measures 23 feet long, 8.5 feet high, and weighs 4,766 pounds.

Photo Credit: Cathy Bazzoni/CZS-Brookfield Zoo

Elsewhere in the zoo guests can now see King Nyani, the largest bronze gorilla sculpture in the world. Crafter by public artists Gillie and Marc Schattner to raise awareness on the importance of the critically endangered gorilla it has taken up residence inside the zoo’s north entrance.

The sculpture measures in at 23ft long and stands 8.5ft tall. It weighs in at 4,766lbs. Its purchase was made possible by generous donors to the zoo.

Guests can interact with the sculpture by sitting in his hand as artist Gillie Schattner explained, “We wanted to create a sculpture where the public could really get close to the silverback (male adult gorilla), both physically and emotionally. Being able to sit in his hand and look up at his gentle face we hope they will fall in love and join the movement to save the gorillas.”

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It is hoped that King Nyani will foster an appreciation for the threats facing the gorilla in the wild. This species is listed as critically endangered.

Stuart Strahl, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), which operates the zoo said, “Like our iconic lion statues at our south entrance, we hope that King Nyani will create memorable moments for guests coming to the zoo for generations to come and inspire future conservationists.”

Guests visiting Brookfield Zoo can meet seven western lowland gorillas including real life silverback JoJo.

One of three capybaras that can be seen at Brookfield Zoo. Native to southern Central America and northern South America, the capybara is the world’s largest rodent, weighing between 110 to 135 pounds depending on the sex. The last time the species resided at Brookfield Zoo was in 1977—over 40 years ago.

Photo Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo

Learn more about Capybaras here – Capybara Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Brookfield Zoo on their website – Brookfield Zoo