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

An animal that is raised in captivity faces no predators, is treated for diseases or injury and fed a well balanced diet with included supplements. . A Capybara in the wild *is* food for any number of predators, has no treatment for even the slightest injury that leads to death, and eats mostly grass and vegetation.