A NEW and unusual attraction has arrived in Hailsham, as Knockhatch Adventure Park officially opened its brand-new Capybara exhibit today (Thursday).
The enclosure was formally unveiled by Mayor of Polegate, Cllr Dan Dunbar, who praised the park for continuing to invest in unique, family-friendly experiences that draw visitors to the area.
He was assisted by local film director John Langridge, who also cut the ribbon.
Native to South America, capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, known for their calm nature and strong connection to water.
These semi-aquatic animals thrive in environments close to rivers and lakes, where they feed mainly on grasses and aquatic plants. Despite their size, they are closely related to smaller animals such as guinea pigs and rock cavies, with more distant links to species like chinchillas and nutrias.
Capybaras are also highly social creatures, typically living in groups of around 10 to 20 individuals, although much larger gatherings have been observed in the wild. Their gentle temperament and curious personalities have made them increasingly popular with animal lovers across the globe.
The new exhibit at Knockhatch gives visitors the chance to see these fascinating animals up close, and even take part in special experiences where guests can interact and mingle with the capybaras under supervision.
A spokesperson said: “The addition marks an exciting step forward in enhancing visitor engagement, offering something a little different from traditional zoo encounters.”
