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John Ball Zoo giant rodent treated for cancer

Posted at 4:37 PM, Sep 16, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-16 16:37:22-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – One of John Ball Zoo’s most popular animals, and one of the largest rodents in the world, recently had surgery to treat cancer.

Jersey, the 11-year-old female Capybaras, recently had a tumor removed and chemotherapy beads implanted with the assistance for BluePearl Veterinary Partners.  She is said to be recovering well.

Jersey came to Grand Rapids in 2009 from the Bergen County Zoological Park in New Jersey.  Jersey shares the South American exhibit with a South American Tapir, a pair of Southern Screamers, and a male Capybara.

Capybaras are native to South America and are semi-aquatic mammals.