Capybara pups debut at Texas zoo

HOUSTON — The Houston Zoo has welcomed two new additions that are now on display to visitors.

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The two capybara pups were born April 11 to mom Squirt and dad Rio, the zoo said in a news release. While this is the zoo’s third litter of capybaras, this was Squirt’s first birth. The zoo said in its news release that after keeping the pups and their mother separated for several days of private bonding, they are now back in the open.

In a Facebook Live introducing the animals, keepers showed Pepa and Bruno, who at just one month old were already watching the tapirs and anteaters nearby.

“Even though they’re a month old, they do already have very distinct personalities,” one of the zoo’s keepers said during the livestream. “Pepa generally tends to be more of the food hound and she loves to get snacks, she really enjoys training. Whereas Bruno is kinda just more sort of the tactile guy. He loves the belly scratches and that’s kind of the best reward for him.”

Capybaras are the largest rodents on Earth, according to National Geographic. In its livestream, the Houston Zoo’s keeper said that while Pepa and Bruno are 8-10 pounds now, they will weigh 90-100 pounds when they are fully grown.

Capybaras are found in much of northern and central South America, though a small invasive population has been seen in Florida, according to National Geographic.

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Photos: Capybara pups debut at Houston Zoo The twins are named Bruno and Pepa, after characters from the popular Disney movie “Encanto.” (Jackelin Reyna/Houston Zoo: )

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