Adorable Monkey and Capybara Caught Snuggling Share a Bond That Transcends Species

Adorable Monkey and Capybara Caught Snuggling Share a Bond That Transcends Species At the Denver Zoo, two unlikely friends found each other and aren’t letting go. Earlier this past summer, 16-year-old Baya, a black howler monkey, was transferred over from Brevard Zoo in Florida and introduced to 6-year-old Rebecca, a capybara. Though they are both native to Central and South America, it’s highly unusual to see these […] READ: Adorable Monkey and Capybara Caught Snuggling Share a Bond That Transcends Species

Art Sep 29, 2025 0 3 Add to Reading List

Adorable Monkey and Capybara Caught Snuggling Share a Bond That Transcends Species

At the Denver Zoo, two unlikely friends found each other and aren’t letting go. Earlier this past summer, 16-year-old Baya, a black howler monkey, was transferred over from Brevard Zoo in Florida and introduced to 6-year-old Rebecca, a capybara. Though they are both native to Central and South America, it’s highly unusual to see these two creatures together. Capybaras are rodents and stay on solid ground, while howler monkeys reside in dense forest canopies. But instead of clinging to the trees, Baya decided to cling to Rebecca.

They are the only females in the zoo’s Tropical Discovery exhibit, which is likely what initially drew them together. Additionally, both are instinctually herd animals craving companionship and have formed an attachment through sisterhood. Zoo staff say they provide each other comfort and support, as any good friend would.

“I think Baya just really finds Rebecca as a comforting friend,” Jessica Newell, the assistant curator of the Tropical Discovery exhibit, told Axios Denver. “Rebecca’s pretty calm, and Baya’s able to go to her for comfort and support…They are very content with each other.”

Their visible bond has definitely won over many hearts, receiving over 30,000 likes on Instagram, making it one of the zoo’s most popular posts. Here’s hoping we get to see even more of their sisterly friendship over time.