The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in downtown Ho Chi Minh City introduced its newest residents, four capybaras named Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong, to visitors on Friday.

These gentle creatures, which are beloved worldwide for their friendly and sociable nature, were presented to the public at 8:30 am.

Dozens of visitors attended this special event, with lucky ones winning opportunities to feed and pet the capybaras.

True to their friendly reputation, Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong captivated the crowd with their endearing interactions.

The capybara quartet Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong has become ‘rising stars’ at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Le Huu Phuoc, head of the zoo’s hoofed animal team, explained how to distinguish these four capybaras.

Phu, the largest male, is extremely friendly and enjoys being scratched. 

Quy, recognizable by small black spots near his right eye, loves the camera and often leans in for close-ups.

Cat, a darker-furred female, is fond of carrying grass in her mouth while napping.

Tuong, the smallest female, often rests with her face pressed against walls for unknown reasons.

Visitors delight in interacting with the capybara quartet Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Xuan Dung, a 31-year-old visitor from District 7, was thrilled to finally see capybaras in person after following them online. 

“They’re really chill—walking around slowly and being absolutely adorable,” Dung said.

A visitor pets one of the four newly-debuted capybaras at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

According to Mai Khac Trung Truc, director of the zoo’s animal division, the capybara family joined the zoo about a month ago. 

During this period, the animals were quarantined for health monitoring and personality assessment to ensure they were ready to meet the public.

Capybaras are well-suited to warm climates, but maintaining high humidity is essential. 

The zoo has installed a misting system and a water pool in their enclosure to ensure their comfort.

Tan Tai, a 20-year-old resident in Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, is a big fan of capybaras. In this photo, Tai (L) is seen feeding the capybaras at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Alongside the zoo’s arctic fox duo, namely An Khang and Thinh Vuong, the capybara quartet Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong serve as a warm New Year’s greeting from the Saigon Zoo to its visitors.

An Khang Thinh Vuong and Phu Quy Cat Tuong are popular Vietnamese phrases often used to convey blessings and good wishes, especially during Lunar New Year.

The two phrases reflect the desire for a prosperous, harmonious, peaceful and successful life.

Cat, a female capybara, loves getting her neck scratched. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Cat fluffs up her fur and stands still whenever scratched, letting visitors do as they please. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Capybaras are herbivores. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Capybaras enjoy humid areas and often soak in water. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!