Cape May Zoo’s Capybara Buttercup Just Had Another Litter — Here’s What to Know
Buttercup the capybara is now a mother of four — and visitors to New Jersey’s Cape May County Park and Zoo can catch glimpses of her newest pups from the bridge overlooking the capybara habitat.
The zoo announced that Buttercup gave birth to two capybara pups on April 14, according to a zoo news release. It’s the second litter in roughly six months for Buttercup and the resident male, Goomba, who also fathered two pups born in October.
That means the zoo’s capybara family has grown quickly. Along with adults Budette, Goomba and Marigold, five older pups already share the habitat — and now two more have joined the group.
Walking Within Hours, Grazing Within Days
The newborn pups are already on the move. Capybara pups are able to walk within hours of birth and begin eating grass at roughly one week old, according to the zoo. They continue nursing for approximately 16 weeks.
Buttercup and her pups are being monitored by animal keepers and veterinary staff. The zoo noted that the mother and pups are sometimes off exhibit to limit crowd exposure, so visitors may see them only periodically from the bridge at the capybara habitat.
The World’s Largest Rodent
For anyone unfamiliar with capybaras, the species has earned a devoted following — and for good reason. Capybaras are the largest rodent species in the world, typically weighing between 75 and 150 pounds, with females slightly heavier than males.
They are native to South America and are semi-aquatic rodents found near lakes, swamps and rivers. Capybaras are also highly social animals that live in groups, which makes the growing family dynamic at Cape May’s habitat a natural fit for the species.
‘What a Wonderful Joy’
Andrew Bulakowski, Cape May County Commissioner Vice-Director, celebrated the arrival.
“What a wonderful joy to be blessed with additional capybara pups,” he said, per the Cape May County website. “Families love this exhibit, and their love will only grow with the sights of these new additions.”
The exhibit has clearly become a draw for the zoo. With Buttercup’s October litter and now the April arrivals, the capybara group has expanded substantially in a short window, giving repeat visitors something new to look for on each trip.
Planning a Visit
Cape May County Park and Zoo keeps accessible hours for families. The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, and the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those hoping to spot Buttercup and the new pups should keep in mind the pair may be off exhibit at times to manage the pups’ exposure to crowds.
Additional visitor information is available at CMCZoo.com.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
