Pets could look adorable while doing just about anything, so it should come as no surprise that the same goes for many wild animals. Just ask the baby capybaras at Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo! The Texas-based wildlife center is home to hundreds of animals that give visitors plenty to talk about, but some of the zoo’s smallest and youngest residents are gaining the most attention.
The baby capybaras have been spotted doing something downright adorable—stretching their legs just like puppies—and the ‘big stretch’ compilation zookeepers put together couldn’t be cuter. This viral video has people ready to book a visit!
Wow, this capybara stretches exactly like a puppy! I’ve seen my Siberian Husky stretch his legs like that when he wakes up from a long nap, but it’s somehow even cuter when this baby does it. I thought this video was an incredibly long compilation before I realized I was watching it on repeat!
“Is it even a big stretch if you don’t say so?” asked commenter @merica_nini06. Saying ‘big stretch’ is a must! Dog parents first recognized this tradition on the Internet several years ago, but the iconic routine of saying “big stretch” when an animal stretches may be a tale as old as time.
Related: Woman Has Hilarious Encounter With Extremely Forward Capybara
Even so, it’s not every day that baby capybara stretches make their way onto the Internet. It’s an adorable and rare sight! Between the priceless stretches and the heartwarming baby animals, there’s a lot to love about this sweet compilation.
Another commenter got the conversation flowing when she said, “Capybaras are just huge hamsters. Change my mind.” Although these two species are not related, they do share some similar features. If only capybaras could be kept as pets, too!
Why Do Animals Stretch?
These young baby capybaras are too little to even have names yet, but they’ve already mastered the art of stretching. It’s something almost every animal does to maintain mobility, though it’s such an instinctual habit that they hardly know they’re doing it.
Although stretching is an important technique for avoiding injury, improving circulation, and increasing flexibility, animals can also use it to communicate. Cats, for example, stretch to show their comfort and non-threatening nature, or to prepare for physical activity.
For these zoo babies, however, stretching seems like the perfect way to wake up and start the day. Some lucky zoo visitors may even get to see it for themselves!
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.