The origin of the capybara onsen

Did you know that capybara onsen have been a thing in Japan since the 1980s? I didn't until I researched the origin of the capybara onsen out of sheer curiosity. A capybara onsen is an event at zoos in winter, where the capybara are provided with a tub or tank of hot water to soak in, usually outdoors. 

Apparently, Izu Shaboten Zoo in Shizuoka Prefecture is universally recognized as the birthplace of capybara onsen. Reportedly, in 1982 a zookeeper at Shaboten zoo noticed that capybara naturally gathered in warm water runoff during a cold winter day. Due to that observation, the staff decided to provide the capybara with a tub of hot water and thus capybara onsen were born! 

Other zoos followed suit over the years, because the onsen proved not only popular with the capybara, but with zoo visitors who delight in watching the capybara relax in hot water. It is hard to describe, but there is something very captivating about watching capybara in an onsen! Shaboten remains the leading capybara onsen location, but you can now enjoy the sight of capybara in a hot bath at dozens of zoos all around Japan.