CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — The Cape May County Zoo is celebrating the arrival of five new capybara pups born to Marigold, one of the zoo’s most popular residents. The pups were born on November 21 and are reported to be healthy and thriving under the close care of the zoo’s animal keepers and veterinary staff.
Visitors may be able to catch glimpses of Marigold and her pups from the bridge overlooking the capybara habitat. Zoo officials noted that the family will also spend time off habitat to ensure they have adequate rest and protection from crowds and changing weather conditions, particularly as winter approaches.
Zoo guests may also spot Marigold’s sister, Buttercup, who gave birth to two pups on October 26. Buttercup’s pups are slightly older and larger, making them more likely to be visible during warmer parts of the day. Animal keepers recommend arriving before 2:30 p.m., as the capybaras are typically brought indoors later in the afternoon for the evening.
County Commissioner Bulakowski, liaison to the Parks and Zoo, invited the public to visit and meet the zoo’s newest additions. He said the young animals provide a special experience for visitors, particularly during the quieter fall and winter months when crowds are lighter and guests can spend more time observing animal behavior.
“These young animals are a joy to watch as they explore their surroundings and interact with their family,” Bulakowski said. He added that the cooler seasons offer a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying the parks and zoo while taking in seasonal changes across the grounds.
Capybaras are native to South America and are the largest rodents in the world. Semi-aquatic by nature, they typically live near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and swamps and are highly social animals that often form large groups. Pups are able to walk within hours of birth and begin eating grass within a week, though they continue nursing for several months.
The Cape May County Parks and Zoo are open daily. County parks operate from 7 a.m. to dusk, while the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information is available at CMCZoo.com.
