Capybara Rosita gives birth to three gorgeous pups

2023 Update - please note that as of 2023 there is no longer a herd of capybara at Auckland Zoo.

We’re excited to announce that last Friday capybara Rosita gave birth to three capybara pups!

The largest rodents in the world, these social animals love to eat together and lucky zoo visitors may catch a glimpse of the pups sharing a meal with the herd in The Rainforest.

Did you know? While most mammals produce their own Vitamin C to help boost their immunity when they are stressed or sick. Humans and Capybara are part of a select few mammals that must consume Vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables as part of their diet. 

While you're there, look out for their cheeky habitat mates – a troop of Bolivian squirrel monkeys! 

Capybara Facts:

1. Their name roughly translates to "one who eats slender leaves", or "grass-eater".
2. Capybaras are semiaquatic mammals with slightly webbed feet for swimming - they can remain completely submerged in water for up to five minutes, a defense tactic they use to evade their predators which include big cats like the jaguar and puma.
3. Capybara, along with our other zoo inhabitant and rodent the agouti have front teeth that grow constantly throughout their lives as they rely on them to grind down the vegetation and grasses that they eat. 
4. They are commonly found in social herds of around 10–20 individuals and in the driest seasons when water is scarce these groups can grow to as many as 50-100 individuals.