Edinburgh Zoo announced on May 8 that a capybara pup has been born, making it the first capybara born in Scotland in 18 years. The newborn is still being closely monitored by keepers because it remains at a vulnerable stage of development.
The pup was born to Luna and Rodney. Its gender has not yet been identified; keepers expect to learn that at its first health check in the coming weeks.
Jonny Appleyard At Edinburgh Zoo
Animal keeper Jonny Appleyard said the zoo is proud of the parents and urged people to visit soon if they want to see the new arrival while it is still tiny. He said, “We are so proud of Luna and Rodney, they’re already doing an incredible job of looking after their new baby. They are such a beautiful species and the babies are especially adorable!”
Appleyard said the baby is “slowly starting to get braver and explore,” and visitors may catch a glimpse of it closely followed by its mother. He added, “Capybara pups grow up quickly so we recommend visiting the zoo soon if you want to see the new arrival at their cutest stage.”
Luna And Rodney's Pup
Capybara pups usually weigh around 1.5kg to 2.5kg at birth, and this one is about the same weight as a six-pack of Irn Bru. Over the coming weeks, the pup will spend time grazing and becoming more independent while learning social behavior from the herd, including group hierarchy and communication sounds such as chirps and barks.
For visitors, the practical step is simple: go soon if the aim is to see the pup at its smallest stage, because Appleyard said capybara babies grow quickly. The first health check should bring the first clear sign of whether the zoo can identify the pup’s gender and, possibly, give it a name.
