Five capybara pups were born at Hertfordshire Zoo in the United Kingdom on July 13, marking a notable addition to the zoo's animal population. The mother, Maple, along with the father, Mani, welcomed the new arrivals, each weighing approximately 2 kilograms at birth.

Capybaras are recognized as the largest rodents globally, native to South America, and are semi-aquatic mammals that typically inhabit rivers, wetlands, and lakes. Known for their social behavior, these animals live in groups and sustain a herbivorous diet.

The newborn pups demonstrated typical capybara behavior by standing within minutes of birth and have since been actively exploring their surroundings. Maple, a first-time mother, has reportedly adapted well to her new role. Tyler Whitnall, managing director of Hertfordshire Zoo, described the birth as a remarkable event, noting the team’s privilege to observe the process from a distance and highlighting the maternal instincts displayed by Maple.

The zoo continues to monitor the young capybaras as they grow and integrate with their environment, offering visitors a glimpse into the life stages of these unique creatures.