NewsUK NewsLongleat Safari ParkIt's the first time Capybaras have been born in the safari park, with Longleat's only two existing animals becoming parents14:45, 11 Jul 2026A safari park in Wiltshire is celebrating the arrival of two new Capybara pups as its only pair became parents this week.‌It is the first time the species is born at Longleat Safari Park in its history. The park said the pups, which are yet to be named, were born to parents Mildred and Bart and are settling in at a new nursery with a private pool.‌The park said the pups weigh around 1kg and are "doing well" in their new home, though their sex is yet to be determined as its still "early days".‌Capybaras are semi-aquatic, with partially webbed toes, high-set eyes, ears and noses that allow them to stay aware of their surroundings above water.They are also the largest species of rodent, roaming both on land and in water. Pups are born precocial, with fur, open eyes and the ability to walk and even swim within hours of birth.‌In Longleat, the new family-of-four will live alongside Brazilian tapirs and three maned wolves in the African Village part of the drive-through safari. Hopeful visitors will be able to spot the youngsters in the nursery area next to the giraffe house.The heart-warming news was announced on Capybara Appreciation Day on Friday (July 10), reports Swinton Advertiser.Alexa Maultby, hoofstock keeper at Longleat, said: "With Mildred having only arrived at the park last July, it is a fantastic achievement to have already welcomed two pups.‌"Mum and the pups are doing well, and are currently in a purpose-built nursery area, complete with private pool.“The pups will suckle from mum for approximately 16 weeks, whilst also eating some grass from a week old. They weigh around 1kg at birth, and when fully grown typically reach 35 – 66kg.Article continues below“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. While the pups won’t be the best swimmers to begin with, they will learn quickly and may even ride around on mum’s back while in the water initially.“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.”Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌SwimmingAnimalsLongleat Safari Park