Capybaras

I know three claims to fame for capybaras. First, they’re big,
The largest type of rodent, like a cross of rat and pig.
A second point: The Catholic Church considers them like fish,
OK to eat on Fridays during Lent (are they delish?).

The third point made them viral: They are everybody’s friend.
The pics of them with other species chilling have no end,
Adored by monkeys, donkeys, turtles, pelicans, and cats.
They even hang with crocodiles, never having spats.

Sure, jaguars, anacondas, harpy eagles, and mankind
May prey, but if you make no blatant threats, they hardly mind.
I looked around for reasons capybaras are so chill.
No single one explains why they’re so slow to flee or kill.

They’re highly social herbivores; large groups may feel secure.
They take a lot of comfort from their insulating fur.
Their slow metabolism helps their energy reserves.
Undoubtedly, it also helps a lot to calm their nerves.

Their good communication lets them signal how things are.
Their sense of smell and hearing picks up dangers from afar.
As needed, they can hold their breath for minutes underwater
Or hide in taller grasses to avoid a hunter’s slaughter.

They recognize familiar individuals with ease.
Their high adaptability makes fitting in a breeze.
I wouldn’t recommend a capybara as a pet,
But meeting one in person is a chance I hope to get.