Lawmakers in Brazil arrived for official duties this week only to find the corridors of a state legislature occupied by a few unexpected visitors — a group of remarkably calm capybaras.
The animals wandered into the Mato Grosso Legislative Assembly in Cuiabá on July 30, momentarily stealing the spotlight from an upcoming vote as they made their way through the government building.
Footage captured by legislative employee Nayara Bueno showed the capybaras strolling peacefully through the entrance while staff members gently tried to guide them back outdoors.
Capybaras have become increasingly familiar visitors at a Brazilian state legislature, occasionally interrupting the routine around voting sessions. (UGC via AP)
“They show up here quite often, so we’ve gotten used to seeing them,” Bueno told The Associated Press.
Officials said the rodents caused no damage during their brief appearance inside the Mato Grosso state legislature.
The capybaras appeared unbothered as they entered through the front door of the legislative building in Cuiabá. (UGC via AP)
The assembly sits next to a park with abundant wildlife, making it easy for the animals to roam near — and sometimes into — the government complex.
Native to South America, capybaras are semiaquatic mammals commonly found around wetlands and other bodies of water. They are highly social, generally travel in groups and can reach weights of about 175 pounds.
The legislative building is located near a park filled with wildlife, where the capybaras had wandered away from. (UGC via AP)
The world’s largest living rodents have also become internet favorites, with social media users frequently highlighting their laid-back behavior around other animals and people.
