Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire has announced the birth of two capybara pups, the first of their species ever born at the park. The pups, whose sexes are yet to be determined, were born to Mildred and Bart, the park's only two capybaras.
Details of the Birth
The park confirmed the pups arrived this week and weigh approximately 1kg each. They are already mobile, able to walk and swim within hours of birth, a trait known as being precocial. The family is currently housed in a purpose-built nursery area equipped with a private pool.
Alexa Maultby, hoofstock keeper at Longleat, said: "With Mildred having only arrived at the park last July, it is a fantastic achievement to have already welcomed two pups. Mum and the pups are doing well, and are currently in a purpose-built nursery area, complete with private pool."
Capybara Characteristics
Capybaras are semi-aquatic rodents, the largest in the world, with partially webbed toes and high-set eyes, ears, and noses that allow them to stay alert while submerged. Pups are born with fur and open eyes, and can swim within hours. They suckle for about 16 weeks but also begin eating grass from one week old. Adults typically weigh between 35 and 66kg.
Park Integration and Visitor Information
The new family will live alongside Brazilian tapirs and three maned wolves in the African Village section of the drive-through safari. Visitors may spot the youngsters in the nursery area next to the giraffe house. The announcement was made on Capybara Appreciation Day, July 10.
Maultby added: "As capybaras are a semi-aquatic species, we’re expecting mum and the pups to spend quite a bit of time in their private pool. While the pups won’t be the best swimmers to begin with, they will learn quickly and may even ride around on mum’s back while in the water initially. We don’t yet know the sex of the pups as it is still early days, but we will find out at one of their health checks soon."
