Capybara named Peppermint Patty gives birth to five pups at Sacramento Zoo
Peppermint Patty is the new matriarch of one big, capy family.
The Sacramento Zoo capybara gave birth Monday to a litter of five pups, the zoo announced Wednesday on social media.
All appear to be healthy “and are doing well,” zoo officials wrote in what they termed a “capy announcement.” The pups are also ready for visitors, who can “catch a glimpse of them in their habitat as they explore their surroundings with mom!”
“The pups are already walking and will be able to eat solid food alongside their mother’s milk around a week after birth!” the social media post continued. “The pups will not be weaned until three or four months of age.”
The zoo, which announced this April that it would remain at its current location in Land Park rather than relocate to Elk Grove, expanded its capybara exhibit in February. The expansion included a larger pool, which is fitting for a species that is the world’s largest rodent.
The pups are Peppermint Patty’s first. The animals live to about 10 years old in the wild and to 12 in human care, according to the zoo website.
If you go
Location: 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento
Entry hours:
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (with grounds open until 5 p.m.) daily until Nov. 2.
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. starting Nov. 3 through Jan. 30
More info: www.saczoo.org
