"World's largest rodent" is lonely, looking for love

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Relaxing in his pool at Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota County, you will find Bob.  He is a capybara.

"He is basically the world's largest rodent," explained Clayton Rosaire, vice president of Big Cat Habitat.

Bob is an eye catcher.  His gentle and carefree nature attracts people of all ages.

"For a lot of little kids, it's a giant hamster. All little kids like little hamsters, guinea pigs; that's what it is," Rosaire continued.

Bob was donated by a woman in New York City.  He was her pet and once worked in the circus.  Now Rosaire and others try to keep him company.

"He likes interaction. He wants somebody to come in and give him treats and say hi to him and that's what we strongly believe in at the habitat," said Rosaire.

Bob is a little lonely.  Rosaire is searching for another capybara to keep Bob company.

"From our experience, they seem to live a longer, happier and healthier life when they have somebody to hang out with and live with and clean each other. They just seem to live a longer, happier life," Rosaire said.

In the wild, capybaras like Bob travel in groups.  Rosaire wants to make sure he feels at home with another friend, preferably a female capybara. 

Bob's place is ready and he is waiting.

"It has all the needs a capybara could ever want -- good food, a beautiful pool, a waterfall, and a nice place to go hang out," said Rosaire.

For now, the hunt is on to make sure Bob lives a happy life with a new friend.

"We have been looking around at other facilities, talking to Florida Fish and Wildlife, and hopefully in the near future, Bob is gonna have a Bobina to hang out with," he added.