The Capybara Way
Unless you’re a fan of rodents, you might have forgotten about the largest one in the family: the capybara. Japan fell in love with the giant cavies in the 80’s after they realized the capybaras in a Shizuoka zoo loved hitting the onsen (hot spring) as much as the Japanese do.
![](https://parentinfluence.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220822_161434_800_x_800_pixel.jpg)
This led to the opening of parks where visitors can get up close and personal with capybara, watching them bathe, petting, and feeding them. This group went a step further and put on their best capybara caps to jump into the onsen with them. We’re not sure they’re buying the disguise, but they’re definitely interested.