A Dream Realized: Meeting a Capybara at the San Diego Zoo

If you follow my work at JoyousJoyness, you know I have a deep obsession with capybaras. I draw them constantly. I admire their chill energy! But for the longest time, I had only ever seen them on a screen.

That finally changed in the summer of 2025.

During our family trip to Southern California, we spent a day at the San Diego Zoo. I had one primary mission: find the capybaras!!! When we finally reached their habitat, the scene was exactly as perfect as I had imagined.

There he was: a beautiful, sleepy capybara. True to his reputation, he was completely zonked out in the shade. The best part was his choice of company. He was snoozing right next to his buddy, a Tapir.

Seeing them in person confirmed everything I love about them. They really are a friend to all! They exist in a state of peace that I try to capture in my art every single day.

It was a simple moment, but it was easily the highlight of that summer. Now, every time I sit down to draw a new capybara character, I think of that sleepy duo in San Diego.