Zoo in New Jersey Welcomes Seven Capybara Pups Born to Sister Duo
Cape May County Park and Zoo got seven capybara pups after two sisters had babies within a month. Buttercup had two on Oct. 26. Marigold birthed five on Nov. 21.
Marigold gave birth to FIVE pups on November 21st! Her sister Buttercup gave birth to two others not long before.
Image Courtesy Cape May CountyCape May County Park and Zoo got seven capybara pups after two sisters had babies within a month. Buttercup had two on Oct. 26. Marigold birthed five on Nov. 21.
Keepers watch the newborns. Veterinary staff check them too. Guests can view the pups from the bridge at the habitat, but zoo workers will cut viewing times to shield the animals from big crowds and bad weather.
"Mom and pups are under the careful watch of our Animal Keepers and veterinary staff," the zoo stated on Facebook.
Capybaras are the biggest living semi-aquatic rodents. They come from South America. Scientists put them in the genus Hydrochoerus, and they're related to guinea pigs.
Adult capybaras grow 106 to 134 inches long and stand 20 to 24 inches tall. They weigh 75 to 150 pounds. Females weigh more than males.
The park and zoo stay open for visitors. The park opens at 7 a.m. It closes at dusk each day.
Zoo hours run 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on most days. On Thanksgiving Day, the place will operate 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
