Capybara Baby Boom Continues at County Zoo

Our beloved Cape May County Park and Zoo has something extra adorable to celebrate this week — two tiny capybara pups who made their debut on Tuesday, April 14. The new arrivals mark the second litter in just six months for mother Buttercup, who previously welcomed two pups back in October.

The proud father, Goomba, has once again proven himself a capable sire for both litters. The growing capybara family is now under the attentive care of the Zoo's dedicated animal keepers and veterinary staff, who are monitoring the newest members closely as they adjust to life outside the womb.

"What a wonderful joy to be blessed with additional capybara pups," said Cape May County Commissioner Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski. "Families love this exhibit, and their love will only grow with the sights of these new additions."

Visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the newborns should know that Buttercup and her pups will be visible periodically from the bridge at the capybara habitat. However, zoo officials are giving the new family plenty of off-exhibit time to rest away from crowds — a thoughtful approach that prioritizes the animals' wellbeing during this critical bonding period.

The good news? There's still plenty to see at the habitat. The other adult capybaras — Budette, Goomba, and Marigold — remain on display, along with five older pups from previous litters. That's a bustling capybara community of ten animals, with the two newest members making it an even dozen.

For those unfamiliar with these charming creatures, capybaras are native to South America and hold the distinction of being the world's largest rodents. These semi-aquatic animals typically weigh between 75 and 150 pounds, with females slightly outweighing males. In their natural habitat, they're found in forested areas near lakes, swamps, or rivers.

What makes capybaras particularly fascinating is their remarkable early development. Pups are up and walking within hours of birth — an impressive feat that helps them keep pace with their highly social family groups. Within just one week, these tiny rodents begin nibbling on grass, though they'll continue nursing from their mother for approximately 16 weeks.

The capybara exhibit has become a family favorite at our county zoo, and it's easy to see why. These gentle, social animals form large groups in the wild, and watching their interactions — from the playful pups to the watchful adults — offers a window into their complex community dynamics.

The Cape May County Parks and Zoo are open daily for visitors hoping to welcome the new arrivals. The Parks open at 7 a.m. and remain accessible until dusk, while the Zoo operates from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about visiting hours and the capybara family, visit CMCZoo.com.