Two capybaras at Chester Zoo have made the most of the warm weather by hitting the pool.
The pair made a splash in front of visitors as they playfully wrestled and wallowed in the water.
As the world’s largest rodent species capybaras live a semi-aquatic lifestyle and are found living in small herds on grasslands, in tropical forests and on wetlands across much of South America.
The species spend much of its time in water and its scientific name means ‘water pig’.
They have bodies specially adapted for swimming - with webbed feet and their eyes, ears and nostrils located on top of their heads.
Capybaras are often referred to as ‘giant guinea pigs’ and can grow to up to 1.5m in length.
Although not currently listed as an endangered species, they can often be overlooked and are often illegally poached for its meat and skin, which can be turned into leather, as well as threatened by habitat degradation.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here