Santa Barbara Zoo Welcomes Two New Capybaras

Brother and sister Antonio and Mirabel are getting used to their new habitat

Staff Report

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Zoo has welcomed two new capybaras, Antonio and Mirabel, who are brother and sister and have come to Santa Barbara from the Montgomery Zoo in Alabama, where they were born on July 26, 2022.

They are currently getting acquainted with Poppy, the zoo’s 4-year-old capybara, and acclimating to their new habitat. Antonio and Mirabel are part of a Species Survival Plan (population management and conservation program for selected species of wildlife), so the zoo is hoping that the three will form a nice new herd.

“Antonio and Mirabel both have big person alities and even bigger appetites,” shared Zoo Manager Kristen Wieners. “They are very cu rious about staff and exploring new things, and we are really enjoying getting to know them.”

Capybaras need careful introductions to new herd mates, as they can be protective of their homes. Until the group is comfortable together, Poppy will take turns in the habitat with Antonio and Mirabel.

Capybaras are the largest rodent in the world, and are native to Central and South America. Well adapted to life near the water, the semi-aquatic mammals have partially webbed feet, making capybaras very strong swimmers capable of staying underwater for up to five minutes, which helps when escaping predators such as jaguars, anacondas, and harpy eagles. Like other rodents, capybaras' front teeth continuously grow to compensate for being worn down from their diet of grasses and water plants.

The capybara is listed as “least concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species; however, in recent years it has become increasingly difficult to find this shy and sometimes nocturnal animal in the wild. Deforestation and habitat destruction are factors, and until recently hunting and poaching as a food source. New captive farming programs have helped relieve poaching.

About the Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m.; general admission is $25 for adults, $15 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $11.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). For more information visit www.sbzoo.org.

Born December 26, 1923 to August and Minnie Eckhardt in Rochelle, Illinios

Died January 31, 2023 in Scottsdale, AZ

Dixie grew up in Rochelle and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. In 1943 Dixie married Ronald Henrey in a militaru ceremony in Montgomery, Ala. Ronald (Whitey) then served in the US Army and later in pilot’s training in the Air Force. After the military, Dixie and Whitey moved to Los Angeles, California and had 6 children while Whitey worked as a carpenter. In 1956 they moved to Solvang, where Dixie would spend the next 53 years before joining her daughter in Az. Dixie was the manager of the Bit O’Denmark Restaurant for 35 years. Whitey died in 1975. In June of 1978, Dixie married Raymond Melville, he predeceased her in 1992. In 1994 Dixie married Ray Hunziker and again enjoyed a happy marriage until he passed in 2002.

Dixie is survived by her son Ron Henrey and daughter Deborah (Bob) White, both of Solvang and her daughter Rebecca (Jim) Rutherford of Scottsdale, who had enjoyed her in their home since 2009. Dixie also had 6 grandkids, 6 great grandkids and one great, great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and newphews.

Dixie is predeceased by her parents, and a brother and sister. Also waiting for her in heaven are two infant babies, Michael and Janice, an infant grandson RJ White, and her son Ricky who lost his life in Viet Nam in 1967.

Dixie was a member of Bethania Lutheran and later, Sheppard of the Valley Lutheran churches in Solvang. Most recently, she attended and became a member of Scottsdale Bible Church. She is a Gold Star mother and honorary member of the VFW. Dixie grew up in a baseball family and continued her love of sports through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dixie loved her family and the Lord. That love sustained her through life’s ups and downs. A memorial service will be held in Santa Ynez in June.

By Lee Pitts Columnist

The other day I saw one of those bikes that looks like the riders are lying down while they peddle. Only this bike was a little different. The husband was facing forward with his legs peddling out in front of him while his wife was behind him, facing backward and peddling in the opposite direction. Yet the bike was moving forward.

If that isn't a fitting metaphor for marriage, I don't know what is.

Next year my wife and I will celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss. My marriage is the thing I am most proud of in my life, and