Two capybara pups were born at Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo in New Braunfels, Texas, on April 29, 2026, to parents Kiwi and Enzo.
Both are being raised with the adults rather than separated, which for a capybara is the point. The species lives in groups, and young animals learn most of what they need by staying close to the ones around them.
“Watching these two grow alongside Kiwi and Enzo has been a special experience for our team,” said Jarrod Forthman, the zoo’s deputy director. “Capybaras are incredibly social animals, and this is a great opportunity for guests to learn more about how young animals develop confidence by staying close to their family group.”
What a capybara is built for
The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world, native to South America, and semi-aquatic. Its eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on the head, so an animal resting at the surface can still see, hear and breathe. Its feet are partly webbed.
They are also unusually vocal for a rodent, communicating in whistles, barks, purrs and squeaks. The species has become a genuine draw: the Little Rock Zoo marked the return of capybaras to its collection with 22 sculptures placed around the city.
Seeing the pups
The two are on view with the rest of the group, though the zoo notes that visibility varies with weather and the animals’ care needs. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is a ZAA-accredited zoo in New Braunfels, Texas.
