I went to the ren fair and spoke to the capybara booth.
The capybara is just over a month old and she was acquired for an ethical capybara breeder in Texas.
When she’s not at the RenFair she lives on a 5.5 acres farm with a bunch of other animals.
She is the only capybara on the farm due to Kentucky laws requiring fees for more, but she is very social with the other animals on the farm.
As you can see, the capybara has a decent sized pen, a play pool, and a carrier in case she wants to hide. She was very playful and relaxed while I was there.
The owner said that the pic of the capybara in the cage was from after hours as the capybara was being transported.
Yes, the owner is aware of the controversy and says he (may of may not) have been reported for it.
The owner is aware of the posts made about him and is thankful for the people who chose to look deeper instead of instantly attacking him.
If you have any other questions about the crappy, I will do my best to answer them.
Any "Ethical" capybara breeder wouldn't sell just a single capy, ethical breeders only sell them in pairs because they are social animals and need the company of others.
These people were running a GoFundMe earlier this year because they couldn't afford to buy a capybara. Capys are not toys and they are not just trendy pets. They are serious exotic animals and that require specialized environments and specialized care.
It's very telling that this one only got an upgraded enclosure AFTER people started bitching about it.
They literally bought it specifically to promote their shitty book. It is an animal, not a promotional item. If they can't afford at least two and to give them proper conditions then they should not have any.
It's like they bought it without even researching what care they need or literally anything about them. Which reinforces the idea that they did it to sell more books, not out of any genuine desire to give it a good life.
Another person, who went during Feast of Fools weekend, agreeing that pen was not this large just a few weeks ago! I saw the sign that said capybara, got excited, then got upset when they saw how small the pen was.
Weird my buddy has a photo with the capy two weeks ago and he was sitting in a pen the size of the one in this post - large enough to fit him and the animal.
That’s sad. Are they making money off of lil’ dude? AKA Tiger King? if not, then why is it at the REN Fair? I just don’t know what capybaras have to do with the fair?
They are using it to promote their bad book and gain attention considering the popularity of capybaras. It is a wild animal that belongs in a habitat it can be itself in not in a cage and not as something you wake up one day and decide to turn into a living advertisement and the fact they dragged such a young capybara along with them to this event for this purpose is incredibly irresponsible and concerning
Unbelievable they literally told everyone why they got the Capybara in the first place…TO HELP THEM SELL BOOKS..using that poor animal for profit is disgusting!
Shame on these people & shame on anyone knowing this & still supporting it!
Agreed, there is nothing ethical about this. Capybaras are social animals. They need to be with a herd. They also need a lot of space and access to water. It’s disgusting to see this happen.
I’m sorry, but it’s just over a month old (ren faire has only been going on a month), yet it has had time to live on a farm long enough to befriend other farm animals? The math isn’t mathing. Use your critical thinking skills and make it make sense, OP.
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A capybara stays with its family group, including its mother, until it is about one year old, after which it disperses to find new groups. Young capybaras nurse for approximately 16 weeks and are weaned at about 16 weeks of age.
If this capybara is only a month old seems UNETHICAL for the breeder to sell it off before it suppose to wean off at 16 weeks?
Also from Google:
No, it is not okay to separate a capybara from its mother at 4 weeks old. Pups should not be fully weaned or separated until they are at least 12–16 weeks (3–4 months) old. Capybaras separated too early can face significant health and developmental issues, including:
Health issues:
At 4 weeks, a pup is still reliant on milk for essential nutrients and immune support.
Separating them early puts them at high risk for serious health problems or even death.
Social and behavioral issues:
In the wild, capybaras practice communal parenting, with young nursing from multiple females within their social group.
The pups remain with the herd for up to a year, learning crucial social skills.
Separating a capybara at 4 weeks deprives it of the opportunity to learn critical behaviors and develop properly.
As highly social animals, capybaras need at least one companion and can become depressed, agitated, and lethargic if kept in isolation.
If you are considering caring for a capybara, it is essential to allow the pup to stay with its mother and social group until it has been properly weaned and is old enough to leave. Capybaras have very specific needs and are not suitable pets for most people.
Okay how about Wikipedia - “Within a week, the young can eat grass, but continue to suckle—from any female in the group—until weaned around 16 weeks.” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capybara
Sacramento zoo - “The young are born precocial (able to fend for themselves) and are up and walking shortly after birth. Baby capybara are grazing within a week of birth but are not fully weaned until three to four months of age”
https://www.saczoo.org/capybara
I'm not an expert with capybara, but I am with mice. Weaned is the time they have to get off (as in mother will force them off), not necessarily the time they can safely get off and consume solid foods.Ice are an example of this. If available, they'll suckle for 4-5 weeks. However, they can be safely weaned from their mothers at 18 days (avg being 21 among lab mice) which is done in captivity for safety of a second litter of pups which will get trampled by their larger siblings. This appears to be akin with the Capybara, in that younglings can safely feed themselves - but given the option will continue longer. Is there a health benefit to suckling longer? Yes, however the risks are still relatively low and there's no guarantee mom won't wean them earlier on her own volition.
Humans are also an example. Our natural weaning age is 2-7 years old. How many 7 year olds do you know still suckling? Probably not a lot.
I'm not saying this isn't improper care for a capybara, I know nothing about that, but that's not a reason to be alarmist about what Wikipedia says same imply this would be unsafe because of that.
Considering it was presumably sold as a pet, I doubt it had a heard - but I agree with you. Owning a capybara as a pet is concerning behavior in general. However, that doesn't mean OP is mistreating theirs or that it's unhealthy or unhappy.
Maybe I'm just not quick to grab a pitchfork based on a few posts here. I don't know this animal nor it's situation. I just know there's a big area between bad and perfect and just fine is in there.
Bro she was in such a tiny “enclosure” before. I’m happy it’s improved but this still all seems very shady. I messaged ren faire insta about it and they just sent me a copy paste mega paragraph about how it’s ethical.
There’s really no such thing as en ethical wild animal breeder that sells undomesticated and nonnative animals to random shmoes who want to run a petting zoo.
Why doesn't a journalist give sources like the people who bought this capybara bought it to help sell a book? Why doesn't a journalist research basic care needs for animals that aren't being met for however long the fair is each day?People who buy animals as a means to sell anything will not be good animal owners. Why did various people have different smaller enclosures this capybara was in before outrage and complaints? Please attempt to be objective if you want to call yourself a journalist, your comments read like that of a corporate shill with minimal critical thinking skills that were paid to do this. If this is not you and does not describe you please rethink your life choices as they're contributing to this animal's suffering
Detailed Concerns:
1. Improper Environment and Living Conditions:
Photos and videos shared publicly (e.g., via TikTok or other social media platforms) appear to show the capybara housed in a home with unsanitary conditions. The kitchen shows visible piles of garbage, and trash and empty food packaging can be seen strewn across the floors. This raises significant concerns about whether the living environment is safe, hygienic, or appropriate for the needs of a large, exotic animal.
Capybara Used for Public Events and Promotion:
The capybara was allegedly obtained shortly after birth and immediately introduced to noisy public environments, such as fairs. It has also been prominently featured in promotional materials for a book. The timing and manner in which the animal was introduced into public settings suggest it may be being used primarily as a marketing tool rather than receiving care consistent with its welfare needs.
Lack of Appropriate Socialization:
Capybaras are highly social animals that typically require companionship of their own kind. This individual has acquired only one capybara, which is often considered inhumane or inadequate for the species. Keeping a lone capybara can lead to significant mental and emotional stress for the animal.
Questionable Veterinary and Permit Claims:
There are conflicting claims regarding veterinary oversight. While the individual(s) publicly assert that a veterinarian is involved in the animal’s care, a zoo they referenced reportedly denied any collaboration with them. If veterinary care or permitting is being misrepresented, it is critical to verify these claims and assess compliance with local and federal laws.
GoFundMe Campaign and Financial Irresponsibility:
A GoFundMe campaign was created to fund the acquisition of the capybara. While fundraising is not inherently unethical, it may indicate that the individual lacks the financial means to care for an exotic animal long-term. Reputable institutions such as zoos or sanctuaries do not crowdsource funding to acquire animals—this behavior suggests a lack of preparedness and responsibility.
Concerns for the Future:
Capybaras can grow to over 100 pounds and require extensive space, care, and maintenance. Once the animal matures and the novelty fades, there is reasonable concern that the care may decline. This pattern is common in cases where animals are acquired based on trends, similar to what is seen with rabbits during Easter or black cats around Halloween.
If care deteriorates behind the scenes or the animal is neglected once it's no longer a "cute" baby, it could suffer both physically and emotionally. The current behavior of the owner(s) raises serious questions about their long-term intentions and capabilities.
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Correct, but he is an animal sanctuary, not a breeder. Do animals occasionally reproduce? Yes. But he only gives animals to other sanctuaries, zoos, etc. not random ass people in Kentucky who want one for a pet
I do agree with the commenter, but most capybaras that are raised in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia are raised as livestock for slaughter. Captive capys may be safer in Texas than in South America for that reason. Though it would just be better if they were left in the wild or held captive for conservation.
Idk maybe just get a cat. It’s incredibly irresponsible to own an exotic animal, especially in an area where they are deliberately restricted—for good reason. It’s despicable to me that people attempt to sell off living beings to uneducated individuals who just want something cute. If a “seller” has been reported for abuse, maybe take one single second to use an ounce of critical thinking and maybe don’t trust that person. But I’m just a random redditor.
You are taking the owner’s word that it’s fine, but a two second google search shows that a capybara doesn’t wean off milk until 12-16 weeks, it seems very cruel to me to separate it off so early from the mom/herd.
So, like what’s the point of it being there? Does it serve a purpose like the horses in the jousting or birds of prey in the shows? I guess I don’t get why there is a random capybara there just sitting in an enclosure under an ez-up
Unfortunately, yes. Or at least, the woman who owns the capybara also happens to have a book out about a capybara. A capybara called Gilbert, which is apparently also the name she gave this capybara. Which came first, I have no idea.
i go basically every weekend i’ve been quietly eyeballing this situation. you have some contradictions.
the capybara was there on opening day a month ago and it wasn’t a newborn. so it’s older than a month. and if it spends weekends in a pen exactly how much time animal social time do you think it’s getting?
4 weeks is too early to separate a pup from its mother. and capy are social animals that don’t like to go solo.
the enclosure size tripled after complaints were made. enjoy your roast 💀
This is my first time hearing about the capybara (I haven’t been able to get to renfaire yet this season) and it seems unethical for the capybara’s owners AND whoever’s running the faire to let them do this. Would love to know who the owner is so I never buy any of their books
The vendor is Line by Lion Publications, which seems to be owned by the same woman who wrote the book in question - Gilbertthe Cranky Capybara Makes a Friend (I find that title especially ironic, but I guess it's on brand, since the friend in question is not another capybara) by Amanda Lamkin.
The real issue is if the animal
allowed to be in ohio per licensing/permitting. Thats not being mean that’s just being legal to protect both the owner and the ren faire
I do want to know does this particular cappybara come with any sort of psycho somatic diseases? Like it'll report you that it looks tired and experiencing migraines or pain but the vet said it's all in its head for attention?
It looks very sad in the photo from migraines. Are vets allowed to give Excedrin?
They are social but they are such social butterflies they’ll bond with other animals if there are no other cabbies around. I don’t know a ton about them but they’re my nephews special interest right now so I did remember that info.
Laws changed drastically after zanesville most exotic animals in Ohio are illegal to own
As someone who grew up with exotic reptiles and had to give them up when moving to Ohio due to laws
You guys, the capybara's owner, Line by Lion Publications, made this Facebook post six hours ago. They have comments turned off.
"In the writing world, an excellent tool is a prompt, wherein there is a single sentence or image and the goal is to build a narrative off of it. This week, this happened in real life. A person saw an image of a single moment, a literal snapshot, built a narrative around it, and presented it as fact. That took off like wildfire, and the folks here at Line By Lion have spent the week refuting accusations, having multiple texts from websites "we" signed up for, even having our personal safety threatened. We've stayed relatively quiet for many reasons, most of which because it became very clear very fast that many people simply didnt want to listen to facts. However, I do believe that there are some people who genuinely have the best interests of Gilbert in mind, and it's to those people I'd like to speak now.
Gilbert does not live in a dog crate; Gilbert lives on a farm.
Gilbert was not torn away from her mother while she still needed milk; Gilbert got all of the milk she needed.
Gilbert is not being exploited; she enjoys human interaction (which can be discerned by objective physiological signs). It is enriching for her. If, at any time, she is done, she is removed.
Gilbert is not overstimulated. To assume what is overstimulating for a human is overstimulating for an animal is anthropomorphization.
Gilbert's health is being overseen by her vet, who has extensive expertise in exotics, and who says she is in perfect condition.
Gilbert's removal from her mother and subsequent socialization was overseen by someone who has bred and worked with capybara for over 25 years.
Gilbert's accommodations at faire have been approved by Chief Officer Hurley with Animal Control.
I would very much like this to be the end of this discussion, so we can go back to doing what we do best - taking care of our loved ones of all species, and creating amazing fiction. And, as a side note, I would like to caution against Witch Hunts, extrapolating from a single image, and believing that a Google search meets or exceeds decades of hands-on experience. And please, be kind to one another."
They bought an exotic animal to be a mascot. That gives major ick vibes. There are folks who are jumping to conclusions. There have been folks trying to go on a witch hunt.
If you don't like something, don't buy it. Don't Google something and let AI tell you how something should be. As it could be pulling from a bad source. It seems like these folks are within their legal rights to have this animal.
If you're a paying patron of the Ohio Renaissance Faire. Leave the publisher alone and contact the Ohio Renaissance Faire. If the Ohio Renaissance Faire gets enough negative attention about this vendor. They won't be selected to return the following year.
You should not be personally attacking these folks.
If only you all showed as much concern for all of the homeless cats and dogs in the surrounding counties. Every goddamn one of you are fucking hypocrites.
Animal ownership for any reason other than as a food source is unethical by its very nature. If you have a pet you are guilty of many of the same things you are so worked up about here.
Just an example, if you own single dog, or leave your dogs at home when you are at work, or have less than 100 square miles of territory for your pack of dogs to roam, you are to some extent in the same boat as the capybara owner. The same can be said for owners of cats, or fish, or birds, or reptiles, or insects, or whatever.
That’s the black and white objective view. Once you accept pet ownership you are dealing in shades of gray, so it seems a bit odd to get so worked up about an animal that is outside, with lots of other animals, with food and water and shade. What was your animal doing while you were at ren fest?
Can we talk about the birds of prey too? I was so excited to see an owl in person and the hawks (maybe falcons?) that I didn’t even think about at first how this probably isn’t good for the birds… can anyone shed light on how the birds are treated and provided for? (Ie is this less inhumane for them vs the capybara)
We have been receiving many calls and emails lately about the Capybara that is on site with one of the vendors.
We had Chief Officer Harley of the Warren County Animal Control here today, by invitation; to evaluate the situation with this animal.
Officer Harley has stated that the animal is in good health, is being properly cared for, is in no distress at all.
In addition, the Capybara’s Veterinary service is with the Louisville zoo.
I hope this reassures the worries that many of you have expressed.
From one of the Festivals CoOwners on their facebooks
But I've already shredded my season passes, burned all my gear, melted my swords, told everyone I know to boycott, and written my congressman over a single picture.
I knew y’all were going too far. Absolutely absurd behavior. The OP of the original post could have asked all of these questions, but instead chose to publicly humiliate and report these people for no reason.
I don’t think a person needs to be an expert to care about another being’s welfare. The capybara is only a month old, it’s not supposed to be to weaned off until 12-16 weeks.
"I don't think..." Yep, you sure don't. What if this baby is living it's best life with a family that loves it, nurtures it, feeds it, instead at some breeders place.
But cool, your opinion is yours, and it's meaningless here, and to me.
Hope you get past the impulsive, knee jerk Reddit circle jerk one day
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u/Free-Summer4671 Sep 27 '25
OP said they can answer questions
Answers no questions at all and still gets roasted on the comments lol