Capybaras Return to York’s Wild Kingdom in Maine For 2026 Season

For many who live and visit Maine, a trip to York's Wild Kingdom is an annual tradition.

The mix of an amusement park and zoo has been a draw for nearly 80 years, being initially launched as Funland in 1950.

For many years, the biggest attraction at York's Wild Kingdom was Rewa, a white bengal tiger that was the centerpiece to the zoo and advertising for the amusement park. Rewa died in 2020.

York's Wild Kingdom had been searching for a new magnetic species to draw interest in its seasonal zoo and appeared to find it in 2024 with capybaras.

Capybaras Return to York's Wild Kindgom in Maine After a Season Away

According to Seacoast Online, capybaras have returned to the zoo at York's Wild Kindgom after taking the 2025 season off.

In reality, the South American rodents are one of the most sought after zoo creatures in the world right now. Social media has taken capybaras from relatively unknown to must-see in just a few years.

The capybaras will join several other animal exhibits for visitors to enjoy including a chance to see a lion, a tiger as well as explore the lush butterfly kingdom and the budgie feeding encounter.

York's Wild Kingdom Offering New Combo Passes For The 2026 Season

If you're planning a visit to York's Wild Kingdom in 2026, you'll notice a new ticket option.

The park has introduced a new combo ticket which allows visitors access to the zoo as well unlimited access to all rides (except go karts) and one round of mini golf at one flat rate.

York's Wild Kingdom officially opened for the 2026 season on May 23. You can check out their full calendar here.