This Zoo Capybara Just Had Her Second Litter in Six Months, and We're Absolutely Obsessed
Whenever a new animal joins the world, it's absolutely joyous news. This is especially true when it's one of our favorite animals that rarely gets any coverage. However, thanks to the Cape May County Zoo in Middle Township, N.J., this capybara is enjoying the spotlight for a second time in the last six months. Buttercup, a female capybara, celebrated the arrival of a new litter of pups on April 14, who joined the existing pups she gave birth to just a few months ago.
Announced by the zoo itself, this capybara brings even more joy this time around with her new litter, which guests absolutely adore seeing. While the pups will still take some time to fully integrate into their parents' and older siblings' routine, they will eventually grow into the species' extraordinary size. Known for being almost twice as big as a rodent, capybaras are hard to miss. However, it may be some time before we witness these new pups out and about.
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Cape May County Zoo Announces New Capybara Pups
Welcoming two new pups to her litter, Capybara Buttercup has added to her group, which already includes two pups born just a few months ago. Both litters were sired by Goomba, the zoo's resident male. Mom and pups are being taken care of by the veterinary staff and seem to be doing very well.
While many are already excited to witness the baby Capybaras out and about in the exhibit, it will be some time before we can see the family out together. Although they can be seen periodically in the Capybara habitat, mom and pups are kept away from the crowds to give them some quiet and space. However, fans of the animal will still have plenty of other Capybaras to check out during their visit.
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"What a wonderful joy to be blessed with additional capybara pups," Cape May County Commissioner Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski said. "Families love this exhibit, and their love will only grow with the sights of these new additions."
Capybaras are part of the rodent family, although they can grow to be twice the size of typical rodents. Native to South America, this species is semi-aquatic, earning it the nickname "water pigs." Weighing between 75 and 150 pounds, these species aren't your typical lightweight rodent. Pups usually walk a few hours after birth and begin eating grass around a week. The pups will typically suckle until around 16 weeks.
Although it might be some time before we see these capybaras in their natural habitat, the announcement of the new pups is enough to get us all excited.
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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 10:20 AM.