A zoo at a theme park has opened an inquiry after all the animals in one of its attractions mysteriously perished.
Uncertainty surrounds the mysterious deaths of the Capybara population at Chessington World of Adventures, a rodent species.
People who came to the park in South West London to participate in the rodent feeding session were informed that the creatures had “unfortunately” gone away, which left many perplexed and upset.
The team has initiated an investigation into how the three animals perished after they all passed away last month.
Death’s exact reason is still a mystery.
No new animals will be added to the popular zoo until the mystery of the tragic deaths has been resolved.
The largest rodent in the world, capybaras are adored by visitors to the family-friendly zoo for their cuddly snouts and good nature.
They are endemic to South America and often resemble guinea pigs that have grown to adult size.
Due to its interaction with people while being fed, the animal became popular at Chessington World of Adventures.
Twenty minutes were allotted for visitors to feed and touch the animals in the enclosure.
However, the park has acknowledged that three of its capybaras perished in September.
Chessington promised that it is closely collaborating with veterinarians to determine the cause of death and does not have any intentions to bring in additional animals until the inquiry is complete.
‘It is with great regret that we can confirm the passing of our three capybaras,’ a representative said.
“Our devoted welfare team is collaborating closely with outside veterinary specialists to undertake a full inquiry into the causes of the animals’ tragic deaths.
This inquiry is still underway, so we won’t decide whether to bring in more capybaras until we know the outcome.
We are aware of how well-liked our capybaras are by our visitors and how much we all like them here, particularly our hardworking zoo staff.
On social media, supporters of the adored animal attraction expressed their sorrow at the news.
When was I going to hear that the capybaras at Chessington had passed away?
I’m going to go weep right now.
Another lamented, “I feel particularly terrible about it since the capybaras at Chessington are dead.”
The representative for Chessington continued, “Here at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our animals are our top priorities.
We belong to both BIAZA and EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
In terms of animal management, conservation, educational research, and operations, “both of which have strong rules of practice and ethics.”