Seven capybara pups born at zoo

There’s a capybara baby boom at the Cape May County Zoo.

Mom Buttercup gave birth to two capybara pups in October, followed by Marigold welcoming a litter of five on Nov. 21.

“Buttercup may have been first to give birth to her two pups, but Marigold refused to let Buttercup be the only one in the spotlight,” the zoo announced Wednesday.

Buttercup and Marigold are sisters, so the birth of seven pups altogether certainly expands their capybara family.

Both mothers and their pups are doing well under careful watch from the zoo’s animal keepers and veterinary staff, the zoo said.

Marigold and her pups will be able to be seen periodically from the bridge at the capybara habitat. However, they will often be off their habitat to give them some respite from the crowds and chilly weather.

Buttercup and her two pups will likely be seen more often by zoo visitors. The two pups are older and bigger than their five cousins, so they are more likely to be outside as the weather becomes colder.

“These young animals are a joy to watch as they explore their surroundings and interact with their family,” said Cape May County Commissioner Andrew Bulakowski, the board’s liaison to the zoo. 

“Whether you're a long-time zoo supporter or a first-time visitor, now is the perfect time to experience the wonder of wildlife up close,” he added.

    The five newborns are expected to spend some time inside for now for a break from the chilly weather.
  

Capybaras are native to South America and are semi-aquatic rodents. They are the largest of the rodent family and are found in forested areas near bodies of water, such as lakes, swamps or rivers.

The adult capybaras typically weigh between 75 to 150 pounds, with females being slightly heavier than males. They are a highly social species and can form large groups to live in.

Pups are up and walking within hours of being born, and they start eating grass as early as the first week. However, pups will continue to suckle for about 16 weeks.

It is recommended that zoo visitors should arrive before 2:30 p.m. to see the capybaras, because the zookeepers typically bring the moms and their pups into their building for the night.

The Cape May County Parks and Zoo are open daily. The parks are open from 7 a.m. to dusk, while the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The zoo will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“There’s always something new and exciting happening at the zoo, and the fall and winter seasons offer a unique opportunity to enjoy it all at a more relaxed pace,” Bulakowski said.

Visit CMCZoo.com for more information.