Why do capybaras tend to live longer in captivity compared to in the wild?

Question

I’ve read that capybaras can live up to 12 years in captivity which is double their lifespan in the wild. How is this possible? For most other animals, captivity shortens their lifespan.

In: 2

Answer 1

> For most other animals, captivity shortens their lifespan.

This really depends on the type of captivity. Yes, a fox held in captivity for its fur will have a shorter lifespan than in the wild, but animals in zoos(where capybaras are usually kept) tend to life far longer than in the wild. reasons already have been posted by other people.