Bonita, Rosa, or Sierra? Public invited to name capybara at Mandai Wildlife Reserve before March 23.

Singapore’s River Wonders is calling on the public to vote for the perfect name for its newest female capybara. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve has shortlisted three names—Bonita, Rosa, and Sierra—each reflecting a unique aspect of the capybara’s personality. The public has until March 23, 2025, to cast their vote via the reserve’s official Facebook post.

The Mandai Wildlife Reserve has opened voting to name one of its most beloved new residents—a female capybara who recently joined the Amazonia Encounters exhibit at River Wonders. The capybara, originally from Copenhagen Zoo, arrived at the reserve at just six months old and has now settled into her new habitat after nearly four years.

Visitors to the wildlife park now have a chance to help decide whether she will be named Bonita (meaning “pretty”), Rosa (meaning “rose”), or Sierra (meaning “mountain”). Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s animal care team carefully selected these names to match her personality, and they are now inviting the public to have their say before the deadline on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

The Capybara’s Journey to Singapore

Born at Copenhagen Zoo in 2021, this female capybara made her way to Singapore’s River Wonders as part of the conservation-focused Amazon River Quest exhibit. Since then, she has been thriving in her newly expanded home, officially debuting at Amazonia Encounters on January 22, 2025.

Unlike most capybaras, who are known for being highly social, this one has a shy and independent nature. She prefers to bask in the sun alone, take quiet dips in her private pool, and observe her surroundings from a distance. When she first arrived at River Wonders, other animals were curious about her, but she took her time adapting to her new environment.

Despite her reserved nature, she has developed a healthy appetite, with corn being her favorite food. Her exclusive capybara exhibit includes a private pool and is directly connected to the Amazonian Wonders habitat, allowing her to explore while maintaining her personal space.

How to Vote and Participate

The voting process is simple: members of the public can cast their vote by commenting on Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s official Facebook post. The reserve encourages fans and visitors to choose a name that best represents the capybara’s personality and characteristics.

This interactive naming campaign is part of Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s effort to engage the public in conservation and education efforts. By participating, voters not only help name the capybara but also learn more about the species and its habitat.

With capybaras being the world’s largest rodents and a keystone species in South American ecosystems, the exhibit plays an important role in educating visitors about wildlife conservation.

Mandai Wildlife’s Commitment to Conservation

River Wonders, operated by Mandai Wildlife Reserve, has been a significant advocate for animal conservation and public engagement. The Amazonia Encounters exhibit is specifically designed to give visitors an up-close experience with Amazonian wildlife while promoting awareness of South America’s delicate ecosystem.

By allowing the public to name its capybara, the reserve hopes to build a deeper emotional connection between visitors and the animals they see. This initiative is one of several efforts by Mandai Wildlife Reserve to raise awareness about animal welfare, biodiversity, and habitat conservation.

This event is more than just a fun public vote—it’s an opportunity for Singaporeans and international tourists to engage with wildlife conservation efforts. Naming an animal fosters a personal connection, making visitors more invested in conservation efforts and the well-being of the animals at River Wonders.

For tourists, River Wonders provides a unique wildlife experience unlike any other in Southeast Asia. With Singapore positioning itself as a global hub for eco-tourism and conservation education, exhibits like Amazonia Encounters contribute to the country’s reputation as a leader in sustainable wildlife management.

Sources: Mothership (2025), mandaiwildlifereserve (2025)

Keywords: Singapore Capybara, Mandai Wildlife, River Wonders Exhibit, Capybara Naming Vote, Amazonia Encounters