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Cavies return to Audubon Zoo for the first time in 30 years

Cavies can be recognized by their long ears and limbs. They are sometimes mistaken for jack rabbits, but are actually closely related to guinea pigs and the capybara.

NEW ORLEANS -- Rick, Daryl and Negan aren't just fan favorites from "The Walking Dead," -- they're some of the world's largest rodents.

The Audubon Zoo welcomed three new Patagonian Cavies from the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C.

“Audubon Zoo hasn’t had Patagonian cavy since the late 1970s or early 1980s, when the species was bred here. So many of our guests have never seen them,’’ said animal care professional Peter Bibeault. “We’ve only had these boys on exhibit for a short time, but they’ve already been a great conversation starter.’’

Cavies can be recognized by their long ears and limbs. They are sometimes mistaken for jack rabbits, but are actually closely related to guinea pigs and the capybara, the world’s largest rodent, weighing up to 100 pounds.

Rick, Daryl and Negan are less than a year old. You can visit them at the Zoo's South America Habitat near the new Jaguar Jungle exhibit expansion.

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