Four Capybara Pups Born at Prague Zoo

In Latin, the capybara is known as the “water pig.” Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The female, Bára, chose the indoor anteater enclosure, which the capybaras share, as the place to give birth. She later led her pups outside, where visitors can now spot them basking contentedly in the sun. According to the weather forecast, the youngsters, together with their parents and four older siblings, will remain outdoors throughout the weekend.

One-day-old capybara pups at Prague Zoo. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Interestingly, capybaras are currently in such high demand among zoos that these pups were “reserved” for transport and breeding at another institution even before they were born. However, this will not take place until next year.

Capybaras can dive for up to ten minutes. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Capybaras have a barrel-shaped body, short legs, and a rectangular head with eyes and ears positioned on top, making it easier for them to stay in the water, where they spend much of their time and also mate. They live in groups across a vast range stretching from Panama to northern Argentina.

With their appearance, capybaras resemble giant guinea pigs. Visitors to Prague Zoo have been able to see them here since November 2023, following a ten-year break in breeding. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Capybara collection from Prague Zoo: https://eshop.zoopraha.cz/kolekce/kapybary.html