Although rodents are typically disdained, Automobuild welcomed the largest rodent species alive with open arms—the capybara.
This past Sunday, the toy store played host to a 2-year old capybara named Tater Tot.
“We wanted to kick off the holiday season with an educational event about capybaras,” said owner Kirsten Dryden. “We wanted to bring something to the community, because there are so many great families here.”
Tater Tot arrived at around 11:00 am and entertained guests into the afternoon. After an informational presentation, visitors were able to take photos with and meet the beloved creature.
Automobuild worked with Conservation Ambassadors, a Paso Robles-based non-profit organization, to bring Tater Tot to Los Gatos.
Joseph Kerschner, an educator and animal keeper, accompanied Tater Tot during her visit up to the Bay Area.
“Our whole premise is getting people passionate about wildlife and caring about our natural resources and protecting wild animals,” said Kershner. “She’s drawn a lot of attention to that.”
Tater Tot’s mother, Spud, was sent to the Conservation Ambassadors after a capybara breeding program in Arizona failed. Spud gave birth to five babies upon arrival in California, and took care of all of them except Tater Tot.
Kerschner took Tater Tot in and has since provided care for the two-year old.
“I had to become her mom,” Kerschner said. “She was raised with my two dogs. They’re good buddies, but as sweet as she is, she’s still a wild animal.”
The animal has gone viral in recent years, spurring numerous internet trends and an increase in capybara themed items in toy stores.
“We all love capybaras,” Dryden said. “They’re one of the most popular toys from the toy business right now, so we have a lot of product”
Behind Tater Tot’s meet and greet, were shelves full of capybara-themed toys—including stuffed animals, blind boxes, pens and stress balls.
Dryden tied the animal’s recent virality to the business’s core goal of providing an educational toy experience for the town’s residents.
“Automobuild is a store that’s centered on showing kids how things go and how things are made,” Dryden said. “We look for anything that’s of great quality and that can help educate the kids.”
Founded over 15 years ago, Dryden founded Automobuild after leaving the corporate world and wanting to do something for her community. Located on North Santa Cruz Avenue, Automobuild has become a toy staple for Los Gatans of all ages.
Dryden’s emphasis on a community centric business model is reflected in the store’s fabric, with many of the employees hired from Los Gatos High School and managed by mothers from across the town.
Although the store hosts birthday parties and other events, animals have not been part of the picture until recently—something Dryden vows to change.
“We most likely will have another event or two coming this fall, and so we’re super excited,” Dryden said. “Another animal, for sure, is coming our way.”
Los Gatos residents can learn more about Automobuild’s upcoming events by visiting their official Instagram account.
