Baby Boom Hits Cape May County Zoo, More Arriving Soon
Cape May County Park & Zoo is experiencing an unexpected baby boom after welcoming not one, but two adorable capybara pups over the weekend. The two newborns, born to mom Buttercup and dad Goomba, are already following their mom around the zoo grounds, although they retreat indoors when the temperature drops due to their South American origins.
The news of the new additions comes as a surprise, considering that the zoo recently announced another female capybara, Marigold, is pregnant and due in "the coming weeks." Goomba, also father to the new pup, has a history with Buttercup's sister, Budette. The pair initially started dating, but it appears Goomba later changed his mind about Marigold.
Staff at Cape May County Park & Zoo followed the guidance of the Species Survival Plan developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to introduce Goomba to the female capybaras. This plan aims to increase genetic diversity and demographic spread across AZA-accredited institutions, ensuring the long-term health and well-being of the species.
The new arrival joins Buttercup, her mom Budette, and other residents at the zoo, including Capychino, a neutered male from one of Budette's previous litters.
Cape May County Park & Zoo is experiencing an unexpected baby boom after welcoming not one, but two adorable capybara pups over the weekend. The two newborns, born to mom Buttercup and dad Goomba, are already following their mom around the zoo grounds, although they retreat indoors when the temperature drops due to their South American origins.
The news of the new additions comes as a surprise, considering that the zoo recently announced another female capybara, Marigold, is pregnant and due in "the coming weeks." Goomba, also father to the new pup, has a history with Buttercup's sister, Budette. The pair initially started dating, but it appears Goomba later changed his mind about Marigold.
Staff at Cape May County Park & Zoo followed the guidance of the Species Survival Plan developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to introduce Goomba to the female capybaras. This plan aims to increase genetic diversity and demographic spread across AZA-accredited institutions, ensuring the long-term health and well-being of the species.
The new arrival joins Buttercup, her mom Budette, and other residents at the zoo, including Capychino, a neutered male from one of Budette's previous litters.