Meet the Denver Zoo's most unexpected besties
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Baya the howler monkey's emotional support animal comes in the form of a capybara named Rebecca. Photo: Courtesy of Denver Zoo
An adorable interspecies bond is capturing hearts at the Denver Zoo.
The big picture: A 16-year-old black howler monkey named Baya and a 6-year-old capybara named Rebecca have become besties inside the zoo's Tropical Discovery exhibit.
Why it matters: As the only two females in a pen packed with boys, the two South American species found each other and formed an unforgettable friendship.
What they're saying: "I think Baya just really finds Rebecca as a comforting friend," Jessica Newell, the zoo's assistant curator of Tropical Discovery, tells us.
- "Rebecca's pretty calm, and Baya's able to go to her for comfort and support … They are very content with each other."
Zoom in: Visitors can see Baya snuggled against Rebecca's side, hitching a ride on her back or even grooming her giant rodent companion — affection Rebecca seems to happily accept.
The intrigue: You wouldn't catch this duo hanging out in the wild. Capybaras roam grasslands while howlers stick to the trees.
- But in zoos, they're often paired together due to their similar native habitats and friendly dispositions, Newell says.
Context: Baya and her three sons arrived from Florida's Brevard Zoo earlier this summer as part of a conservation program.
- Rebecca came to Denver in 2021 with her mate, Roy.
The bottom line: At a time when everybody could use a shoulder (or back) to lean on, Baya and Rebecca are proof that besties come in all shapes, sizes — and species.