Leeds Wildlife Park Delighted by Surprise Capybara Birth.
Staff at Lotherton Wildlife World in Leeds were pleasantly surprised when they discovered a new addition to their family of capybaras during routine checks. Keepers entered the capybara enclosure as part of their daily welfare and feeding routine, only to find an adorable newborn capybara joining the group.
When keepers at Lotherton’s Wildlife World approached female capybara Carly, they noticed her unusual behavior. It soon became clear why, as they spotted the tiny pup she had quietly been nurturing. This marks the first capybara birth at the Aberford estate, bringing excitement and joy to the facility.
The baby capybara has quickly settled in, familiarizing itself with the other animals and exploring its new environment. Over the next few weeks, expert vets and keepers will monitor the newborn closely, followed by health assessments to determine its sex. In a delightful twist, Wildlife World plans to involve local schools in naming the new arrival through a competition set to launch later this summer.
Daniel Messer, Wildlife World’s zoo manager said:
“We were absolutely delighted to find that overnight, Carly had given birth to a healthy pup. Capybara are a highly social species and can often live in large groups. Both mum Carly and dad Bryan are doing really well caring for the newborn, we are keeping a close eye on the pup and will be having our vet give them another health check soon. We can’t wait for visitors to come and see this new member of the Lotherton family.”
Capybaras, often likened to giant guinea pigs, are the largest rodents on earth. Originating from South America, they thrive in diverse habitats like rainforests, savannahs, forests, and wetlands. Known scientifically as ‘Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris,’ which translates to ‘water-pig,’ capybaras spend much of their lives near or in water, feeding primarily on grass, fruit, and tree bark.
At Lotherton’s Wildlife World, capybaras are part of a diverse collection of animals under conservation. The site is dedicated to the protection and preservation of various species, participating in international breeding and conservation efforts. Notable residents include the critically endangered Visayan warty pig, cotton top tamarin, and Edwards pheasant, along with Arthur, the attraction’s lowland tapir. In addition to these unique species, Wildlife World features a 120,000-liter penguin pool, home to a lively colony of Humboldt penguins, making it a favorite among visitors.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space said:
“It’s always exciting to welcome new arrivals at Wildlife World and to introduce them to our visitors. It’s also important to be doing our part to protect vulnerable species and ensure they are still here for future generations.”
For additional information on Wildlife World, please visit www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
