200 
ALMOST HUMAN 
RODENTS 
THE CAPYBARAS. 
There are two most interesting creatures at the Zoo that are rarely 
seen, because they hide away inside their hut during the day, and get 
so far inside that very few people ever see them move. They are the 
capybaras, familiarly known as the big rats, for they are the largest living 
rodents in the world, and are exactly like rats, excepting that they have 
“Some” Rat. 
no tails. They come from South America, and from parts of the West 
Indies, where they do a lot of mischief among the sugar canes. Other- 
wise they are quite harmless, and are most easily tamed. The two at 
the gardens are very timid, and do not like to be placed on show; how- 
ever, if Mr. Wilkie offers them some nice hay or biscuit they will run 
