London Zoo will temporarily welcome a pair of giant rodents as they await the completion of their permanent residence.

Capybaras Gizmo and Kiwi will enjoy their summer in the city before relocating to their forever home at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, which is affiliated with London Zoo.

Guests can interact with the adorable pair during the “Feeding Time at the Zoo” event this half term.

Zookeeper Jessica Lawrance expressed, “Gizmo and Kiwi are truly a charming duo, and we are delighted to learn more about their individual likes and quirks.”

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) inhabit various regions throughout northern and central South America and share close genetic ties with guinea pigs.

Renowned for their substantial appetites, capybaras primarily consume plants and grasses. Interestingly, they also have the peculiar behavior of eating their feces, as the grasses they digest can be tough for their system to break down.

The two capybaras will live adjacent to Amara, a pygmy hippo transferred from Edinburgh as part of the zoo’s conservation breeding initiative for endangered species.

Jessica anticipates that the capybaras will spend plenty of time enjoying the water outside.

“We are eager to witness the delight on visitors’ faces when they meet Gizmo and Kiwi,” she added.