Prune the Capybara Triumphs in Japan’s Quirky Long Bath Contest
NAGASAKI, Japan — In a charming display of patience and aquatic endurance, a capybara named Prune has emerged victorious in Japan’s annual “capybara long bath showdown,” a contest that measures how long these semi-aquatic rodents will remain comfortably soaking in warm baths. Prune, residing at Nagasaki Bio Park, clocked an impressive 1 hour, 45 minutes, and 18 seconds in the tub, edging out competitors from zoos across the country.
The event, which has captured public affection for its whimsical yet endearing nature, featured capybaras from multiple zoos, each vying for the title of longest bather. Following closely behind Prune was Koharu from Nasu Animal Kingdom, who soaked for 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 17 seconds, while Truffle of Izu Shaboten Zoo secured third place with a time of 1 hour, 26 minutes, and 57 seconds.
Notably, Hechima from Saitama Children’s Zoo Park, affectionately known as the “watermelon queen” for her previous victories in speed eating contests, finished fourth with a respectable 1 hour, 23 minutes, and 6 seconds. A spokesperson for the Saitama zoo remarked to The Mainichi newspaper that the contest was fiercely competitive, noting, “If Hechima had held on a little longer, she could have been first.”
Capybaras, native to South America, are the world’s largest rodents and are known for their affinity for water, often seen lounging in hot springs or rivers to regulate their body temperature. This annual bathing contest taps into that natural behavior, delighting visitors and animal lovers alike.
The event highlights the unique cultural appreciation Japan has for these gentle creatures, often featured in zoos and onsens (hot springs) across the country. It also underscores the efforts of zoological parks to engage the public with educational and entertaining animal activities, fostering a deeper connection between humans and wildlife.
For more on the biology and care of capybaras, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers extensive resources. Additionally, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums provides guidelines on animal welfare and enrichment activities similar to this contest.
As the winner, Prune has become a minor celebrity, with social media accounts dedicated to the capybara bathing tradition sharing photos and videos of the event. The official Twitter account for the contest, @capybarabath, regularly posts updates and results.
While this contest may seem lighthearted, it reflects broader themes in animal care and public engagement, emphasizing the importance of enrichment and natural behaviors in captive animals. For more information on animal enrichment practices, the National Agricultural Library provides valuable insights.
As Prune basks in the glow of victory, the contest continues to charm audiences worldwide, proving that sometimes, the simplest competitions can bring the greatest joy.
Leave a Reply