Oregon Zoo now has a Chupacabra – and he’s not fearsome
AChupacabramoved in at the Oregon Zoo this week, arriving in PortlandThursdayafternoon and quickly making himself at home in the carnivore ward of the zoo’s veterinary medical center.
Unlike the bloodthirsty creature of folklore, however, thisChupacabrais a vegetarian.
“Chupacabrais his name, but actually he’s a Patagonian mara, native to Argentina,” said Tanya Paul, Oregon Zoo program animal supervisor. “He looks something like a cross between a capybara and a giant jackrabbit.”
The extra-large, long-legged rodent was found roaming the streets of Eugene last month and was taken in by the First Avenue Shelter. His owner was eventually identified, but the Greenhill Humane Society, which runs the shelter, arranged forChupacabrato be transferred to the Oregon Zoo since the species requires specialized care.
“Many exotic animals have complex care needs that are often best met by people with specialized training at licensed and properly equipped facilities, such as AZA-accredited zoos,” Paul said. “Responsible pet ownership choices are healthier for people, animals and the environment.”
Eventually,Chupacabrawill become one of the zoo’s ambassador animals, Paul said, but first he will spend a standard 30-day quarantine period at the vet center — particularly important in his case, since not much is known about his medical history.
“He made himself right at home,” Paul said. “He came out of his crate in about 20 seconds and immediately began exploring. Right now, he’s housed in one of our carnivore wards, ironically enough. It’s because of the chewing. As a rodent, he needs to be in an enclosure that he wouldn’t chew through.”
Paul said the indoor space also has natural light and a retractable roof, so he can have some fresh air andsunwhen the weather is good.
Once abundant in Argentina’s Patagonian Desert, the wild population of maras is in decline due to habitat loss and hunting, according to theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature, which lists the Pategonian mara’s current conservation status as “near threatened.”
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife.
Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs.Other projects focused on saving animals from extinction include studies on Asian elephants, polar bears, orangutans and cheetahs.
Support fromtheOregon Zoo Foundationenhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in conservation, education and animal welfare. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world.
