Abduction of people and capybaras is not uncommon in Culiacán.
In the vibrant city of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, a puzzling situation has arisen at the local zoo. The once thriving capybara population has dwindled, leaving only one female capybara remaining.
The relaxed and photogenic creatures, known for their peaceful demeanour, have become popular sensations on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. However, their online fame seems to have done little to prevent their disappearance from the Culiacan Zoo.
Capybaras, the world's largest rodents, have even found a place in catchy tunes, such as the Russian song titled "Capibara", which has contributed to their rising popularity. This popularity has, in turn, led to a boom in merchandise, with plush toys, accessories, and headwear adorned with the image of these fascinating creatures.
Yet, despite the surge in capybara merchandise, the exact cause of their disappearance from the Culiacan Zoo remains a mystery. Speculation suggests that the decreasing number of capybaras could be due to their disappearance, but without concrete evidence, this remains a theory.
It is worth noting that the Culiacan Zoo has faced controversies in the past, with reports of animal disappearances, such as a giraffe in 2024. The zoo's management and local wildlife authorities have yet to provide official statements regarding the capybara population decline.
Potential reasons for a decline in capybara populations in zoos could include transfers of animals to other zoos or wildlife centres, health issues or disease outbreaks, changes in breeding success, or management decisions to reduce population size. Without specific reports, it is impossible to confirm the reasons for the capybaras' disappearance from the Culiacan Zoo.
As the search for answers continues, it is hoped that official statements from the Culiacan Zoo or local Sinaloa wildlife authorities will shed light on this intriguing situation. In the meantime, the world continues to admire and adore these gentle giants from afar.
The captivating capybaras, often seen on social media entertaining viewers with their laid-back nature, have also become fashion statements with an increasing demand for merchandise adorned with their image. In the midst of their growing lifestyle trend, the decline in the capybara population at the Culiacan Zoo remains a puzzling mystery.
