Capybaras arrive in Telford - with hours to spare

Visitors to Hoo Farm are being introduced to its latest additions - three capybaras, which are the largest type of rodent.

The new residents at the Preston on the Weald Moors farm came from Tropical Wings, a zoo based in Essex.

Will Dorrell, exotics manager at Hoo Farm, said the capybaras have been stealing the show since they arrived at the end of last week.

He said: "We have been keen to get some capybaras for about 12 months so we are so excited to finally have three - they are like our new arrivals for 2016.

"They have settled very well, they do seem nervous but I am sure that will change once they get used to their new surroundings.

"We have two boys and one girl, who are all 11-months-old as they are siblings. They are quite small at the moment, but they will grow to the size of a small sheep.

"Everyone a Hoo Farm is very excited about the new arrivals and they have been very well received.

"People do seem very excited about them.

"I think a lot of people know what there animals are, especially in the zoo community, but the best way to describe them is that they look like giant guinea pigs. They aren't though, but they are from the same family.

"All three seemed to be very calm, although a little bit nervous to begin with, but I am sure they will settle soon when they get used to seeing so many people."

Weighing up to as much as a human male when fully grown, capybaras can be found mainly in South America, but are common at animal centres across the country.

They are capable of a range of vocalisations and can purr and bark, Mr Dorrell said.