The enduring fascination with the capybara, known colloquially across Indonesia as “Masbro,” continues to drive significant crowds to the Taman Margasatwa Ragunan (TMR) in South Jakarta. What began as a viral social media trend in 2023 has evolved into a sustained attraction, proving that the animal’s “chill” reputation has a lasting appeal beyond the digital screen.
Visitors are increasingly flocking to the zoo specifically to encounter the world’s largest rodent in person. For many, the trip is a pilgrimage to see the real-life version of the memes that depicted the capybara as a universal friend to all species, including predators. This surge in interest has transformed the capybara from a quiet inhabitant of the zoo into a primary draw for families and tourists alike.
The popularity of the ‘Masbro’ Kapibara di Ragunan has not only boosted visitor numbers but has also highlighted the zoo’s success in animal husbandry. With a growing population and a high birth rate, the facility has become a notable site for the species’ conservation and breeding within the region.
From Viral Memes to Physical Attraction
The “Masbro” phenomenon took hold in 2023 when internet users began sharing videos of capybaras exhibiting an unusually calm demeanor. The nickname “Masbro”—a casual Indonesian term for “brother”—became synonymous with the animal’s perceived friendliness and stoicism. Videos of capybaras lounging near crocodiles or acting as “chairs” for other animals cemented their status as the internet’s favorite symbol of tranquility.
This digital fame has translated into tangible foot traffic at Ragunan. Arif, a visitor from Cianjur, noted that his children were driven by a curiosity sparked by social media and the subsequent wave of capybara-themed merchandise. “My child loves seeing capybaras, it’s viral, right. You’ll see dolls, keychains, accessories, and it’s all over social media. He was curious, so I brought him here. The intention was specifically to see the capybara,” Arif said.
For others, the visit is a blend of modern trends and personal history. Rafi, an 18-year-old from Karawang, visited the zoo after accompanying family members departing for the Hajj pilgrimage. For him, the trip was a nostalgic return to a place he hadn’t visited since childhood, blending the current “Masbro” hype with memories of being carried by his parents while viewing the elephants.
Breeding Success and Zoo Management
The management of Taman Margasatwa Ragunan has had to adapt to the sudden spike in demand. Wahyudi Bambang, Head of Public Relations at TMR, recalled a period of confusion when the “Masbro” term first began trending among visitors. “It went viral because of that, so many people started asking, ‘Where is Mas Bro?’ We were confused, ‘What is Mas Bro?’ Then we realized that ‘Mas Bro’ is the capybara,” Bambang said.
To accommodate the interest and ensure the animals’ well-being, the zoo currently maintains a population of approximately 20 capybaras. Bambang highlighted that Ragunan has seen a higher success rate in breeding the species compared to other zoological institutions, where the animals are often more difficult to breed.
To prevent overcrowding at a single point and allow visitors a better viewing experience, the zoo has distributed the animals across three distinct locations:
- An enclosure situated near the anoa.
- A central location near the elephant exhibit.
- An area within the small mammal section, located near the lion enclosure.
While the zoo currently lacks a structured “show” for the capybaras—unlike the events held for the gorillas—Bambang indicated that the administration is open to public suggestions. He mentioned the possibility of introducing scheduled “feeding times” if visitor demand continues to grow.
The Biology of a ‘Chill’ Giant
Despite their internet persona, capybaras are complex social mammals native to South America. Their physical characteristics and behaviors are finely tuned for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Trio Prasetio, a capybara keeper at TMR, explained that the animals are strict herbivores with a diet consisting of fruits, tubers, and grasses.
Prasetio noted that the animals are rodents, meaning their teeth grow continuously. To manage this, they must gnaw on tough materials. “He eats fruits, tubers, grasses, and leaf stems, because he is a rodent. The function of the stems is to gnaw his teeth so they don’t keep growing,” Prasetio explained. He added that corn is a particular favorite among the Ragunan population, often being the first item they consume during morning feedings, followed by sweet potatoes, carrots, and papaya.
While the public perceives them as fearless, Prasetio clarified that capybaras are actually quite sensitive. When they feel threatened or frightened, they will instinctively hide in tall grass. However, within their own social groups, they exhibit strong bonds and loyalty, which contributes to their non-aggressive nature toward humans and other animals.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population at TMR | Approximately 20 individuals |
| Primary Diet | Herbivorous (Corn, tubers, grass) |
| Origin | South America |
| Key Behavior | Social, non-aggressive, semi-aquatic |
The continued draw of the ‘Masbro’ Kapibara di Ragunan suggests that the intersection of internet culture and wildlife education can create powerful incentives for the public to engage with nature. By leveraging the popularity of a meme, the zoo has successfully brought attention to the biological needs and conservation of a species that might otherwise have remained in the background of the park.
The zoo administration continues to monitor visitor patterns and animal health. The next potential development for the capybara exhibit will be the evaluation of public requests for interactive feeding sessions, which would provide a more structured way for visitors to experience the animal’s famously docile nature.
Do you have a favorite memory of visiting Ragunan or a “Masbro” encounter? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
