Capybaras Wander Into Brazilian Legislature

Brazilian lawmakers in the state of Mato Grosso found themselves sharing their workspace with some unexpected visitors. On July 30, a group of capybaras wandered into the Legislative Assembly in Cuiabá, briefly diverting attention from legislative matters as they explored the building.

Video footage by legislative staffer Nayara Bueno captured the capybaras moving serenely through the building’s entrance while staff tried to guide them back outside. Bueno mentioned to The Associated Press, “They show up here quite often, so we’ve gotten used to seeing them.”

The capybaras did not cause any damage and remained calm throughout their brief visit. Their access to the government complex is facilitated by the assembly’s proximity to a park that is home to various wildlife.

Native to South America, capybaras are semiaquatic mammals typically found near wetlands. They are social creatures, often moving in groups, and can weigh up to 175 pounds.

This incident is not the first time capybaras have been noticed in the vicinity of the legislative building due to its location near a wildlife-rich park. Their relaxed demeanor has made them popular on social media, where users share clips of their interactions with other animals and humans alike.