Broxbourne’s Hertfordshire Zoo has welcomed a litter of five capybara pups, born on the morning of 13 July. The South American semi-aquatic mammals arrived to first-time mother Maple and sire Mani, with each pup weighing around 2kg at birth.
Unexpected arrival for first-time mum
Keepers initially believed Maple had produced three offspring but were pleasantly surprised when two more appeared. Staff said the newborns were up on their feet within minutes and have already been exploring their enclosure while continuing to nurse.
"Watching Maple give birth was an incredible experience for the whole team... As a first-time mum she was completely self-reliant and knew exactly what to do from the moment the first pup arrived."
The comment came from Tyler Whitnall, managing director of Hertfordshire Zoo in Broxbourne, who described the scene as a rewarding experience for the team.
How the pups are doing and what it means for the zoo
At just over a week old the pups are already sampling solid food alongside nursing from Maple. The births come closely after another recent arrival at the zoo — a baby tapir — meaning keepers have been caring for several new animals at once.
- Species: Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
- Mother: Maple (first-time mum)
- Father: Mani
- Birth date and time: Around 9am, 13 July
- Individual birth weight: Approximately 2kg each
Capybaras are native to South America and are noted for their gentle, social nature. They are semi-aquatic, spending much of their time near water and using webbed feet and an ability to stay submerged for several minutes to avoid predators or cool off. They communicate with one another using a range of sounds including barks, whistles and purrs, and typically thrive in groups.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne |
| Number of pups | 5 |
| Mother | Maple (first-time) |
| Father | Mani |
| Approx. weight at birth | ~2kg each |
For visitors and local residents, the new litter is a reminder of the zoo’s role in education and animal care. Keepers said they are ensuring all the mothers on site have the support they need while they raise their young, and that the animals are settling in well.
Those wishing to learn more about the zoo’s animals, or to check visitor information and opening times, should consult Hertfordshire Zoo’s official channels before travelling.
