Full Breakdown
Longleat Safari Park Welcomes First Capybara Pups
7/13/2026, 11:18:23 AM
First Capybara Births at Longleat
On Friday, July 10 — Capybara Appreciation Day — Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire announced the birth of its first capybara pups. The only breeding pair at the park, Mildred and Bart, gave birth after a 149-day gestation. The newborns, each weighing about 1 kg, are being cared for in a purpose-built nursery that includes a private pool. Their sex has not yet been determined.
Background on the Species at the Park
Capybaras (the world’s largest rodent) are semi-aquatic mammals native to South America. Longleat’s capybara exhibit resides in the African Village drive-through area alongside Brazilian tapirs and three maned wolves. Prior to this event, the park had only two adult capybaras; the birth marks the first successful reproduction of the species at Longleat.
Official Statements from Longleat Staff
Hoofstock keeper Alexa Maultby highlighted the rapid progress of the breeding program, noting that Mildred arrived at the park only in July 2023. She explained that the pups will nurse for roughly 16 weeks while beginning to graze from about a week old. Maultby also said the family will spend considerable time in the pool, with the young capybaras expected to learn swimming quickly and possibly ride on their mother’s back.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With Mildred having only arrived at the park last July, it is a fantastic achievement to have already welcomed two pups. ?” — Alexa Maultby, Hoofstock Keeper
- “? "Mum and the pups are doing well, and are currently in a purpose-built nursery area, complete with private pool.” — Alexa Maultby
- “The pups will suckle from mum for approximately 16 weeks, whilst also eating some grass from a week old.” — Alexa Maultby
- “As capybaras are a semi-aquatic species, we’re expecting mum and the pups to spend quite a bit of time in their private pool.” — Alexa Maultby
- “We don’t yet know the sex of the pups as it is still early days, but we will find out at one of their health checks soon.” — Alexa Maultby
Visitor Access and Observation
The nursery is located next to the giraffe house near the African Village car park, allowing drive-through visitors to view the precocial pups, which are born with fur, open eyes, and the ability to walk and swim within hours.
