Capybara pups born at the Park

Two new arrivals have been born in a first for the Park.

Our pair of Capybara have successfully welcomed two pups, the first for the species at Longleat and announced to celebrate Capybara appreciation day, 10 July.

Bart and Mildred live alongside the Brazilian tapirs and the new trio of maned wolves, in African Village as part of the Drive-Through Safari.

Alexa Maultby, Hoofstock Keeper, 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 pups are born precocial, meaning they are born with fur, open eyes and are able to move and swim within a few hours.”

The gestation period for capybaras is between 120 – 150 days, approximately five months, with Mildred giving birth at 149 days.

“The pups will suckle from mum for approximately 16 weeks, whilst also eating some grass from a week old. They weigh around 1kg at birth, and when fully grown typically reach 35 – 66kg.

“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.”

Spending time in water acts as a deterrent for predators in the wild, and as such they have evolved to have partially webbed toes for swimming, long and brittle hair which dries quickly, and their small eyes, ears and noses are high on their heads so their faces can remain above water and keep alert.

“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.”

Currently, the herd of capybaras can be seen by keen eyed guests in their nursery area next to the giraffe house, adjacent to the African Village car park.