Cape May Zoo Introduces Two New Capybara Pups Born in April
Two adorable capybara pups have joined the family at the Cape May County Park and Zoo, thanks to mother Buttercup, who gave birth on April 14, as announced in a recent press release.
This latest pair marks Buttercup’s second litter, following the birth of two pups in October. The proud father of both litters is Goomba, the resident male capybara at the zoo in southern New Jersey.
These new arrivals add even more excitement to the already lively capybara habitat at the zoo.
A Growing Capybara Family at Cape May Zoo
The exhibit now features Buttercup, Goomba, their two newborns, as well as adult capybaras Budette and Marigold, alongside five older pups who continue to inhabit the area.
Animal keepers and veterinary staff are carefully monitoring Buttercup and her new pups. As a result, visitors should be aware that the mother and her young may occasionally be taken off exhibit to minimize crowd exposure. Guests eager to see the pups can look for them intermittently from the bridge at the capybara habitat.
Andrew Bulakowski, Vice-Director of the Cape May County Commissioner, expressed joy over the new arrivals in a statement featured on the Cape May County website.
“What a wonderful joy to be blessed with additional capybara pups,” he said. “Families adore this exhibit, and their affection will only deepen with the sight of these new additions.”
What to Know About Capybaras
For those unfamiliar with these charming creatures, capybaras have the unique distinction of being the largest rodent species in the world, according to species facts provided by the county.
Natively found in South America, capybaras are semi-aquatic rodents typically residing near lakes, swamps, and rivers. Adults weigh between 75 and 150 pounds, with females usually heavier than males. Being highly social animals, they live in groups, making the growing family at Cape May a perfect reflection of their natural behavior.
How the Capybara Pups Will Grow
Despite their future size, capybara pups are surprisingly active from the start — they can walk within hours of being born, giving them a head start in exploring their environment.
Their diet transitions rapidly as well. By around one week old, the pups begin eating grass but will continue nursing for about 16 weeks as they develop. Visitors returning to the zoo in the coming months will witness the pups grow and engage more with the capybara group.
Planning a Visit to Cape May Zoo
The Cape May County Park and Zoo offers free admission, making it a popular spot for families in the area. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk, while zoo hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Visitors hoping to spot the new pups should keep in mind that sightings may not be guaranteed during every visit, as Buttercup and her young might be off exhibit at times for their well-being. Patience and a visit to the bridge overlooking the capybara habitat will provide the best opportunity to see the newest arrivals.
Further information about the zoo, including directions and exhibit details, can be found at CMCZoo.com.
