A wildlife park is hoping to change the way people think about capybaras as it introduces the species for the first time.
Knockhatch Adventure Park, near Hailsham in East Sussex, has unveiled a new habitat for three female capybaras named Capythrine, Mary and Dorothy.
The animals arrived from Germany about a month ago and are now settling into their new surroundings. The park also plans to bring in a male capybara in the future as part of a breeding program.
Zoo manager Ben Anderson said the goal is to move beyond the idea of capybaras being seen only as novelty animals.
He explained that visitors and staff have been eager to meet them since their arrival, adding that they are a fascinating species and are often known for being among the friendliest animals in the world.
At around six months old, the three capybaras currently weigh about 25 kilograms each.
Native to most of South America, capybaras can grow to between 60 and 70 kilograms when fully mature, making them the largest rodents on Earth.
Anderson also noted that they have a complex social structure and are enjoyable animals to work with.
The park plans to let visitors get closer to the capybaras through special experiences designed to help people learn more about them.