BELOVED SALISBURY ZOO CAPYBARA PASSES AWAY

Salisbury, Md - The Salisbury Zoo has announced the passing of its cherished capybara, Faith. At 10 years old, Faith was a beloved figure at the zoo, known for her gentle disposition and unique personality traits that endeared her to both staff and visitors.

Recently, Faith's health had worsened significantly. Observations made by the animal care team, along with a detailed medical evaluation conducted at the zoo's Ron Benton Animal Health Clinic, identified multiple internal tumors and a hemoabdomen. Given the severity of her condition, the zoo made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent further suffering.

Faith joined the Salisbury Zoo as a six-month-old animal from the Brevard Zoo in Florida. Although she preferred solitude among her capybara peers, she shared her habitat harmoniously with Charlie and Tracy, two Greater Rheas. Faith brought joy to many with her simple habits, such as wading in water on warm days, enjoying her favorite treats-pumpkin, corn, and peanuts-and making her signature squeaks when anticipating meals.

"Please keep the Salisbury Zoo staff in your thoughts as we grieve this tremendous loss," said Chuck Eicholz, Zoo Director.

Capybaras, the largest rodents in the world, are semi-aquatic creatures native to the forests and waterways of South America. Known for their slightly webbed feet and remarkable ability to hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes, these rodents typically live 10 to 12 years in human care, while their lifespan in the wild is shorter, averaging around seven years.

The Salisbury Zoo has been home to capybaras for over five decades, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1974. Faith was part of this enduring legacy, and her contributions to the zoo's community will not be forgotten.