Wednesday October 28th 2026
Edinburgh Zoo’s capybara Luna with one of her three newborn pups, born on October 28. Credit: RZSS/Edinburgh Zoo
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating the arrival of three baby capybaras, with the newborns already exploring their surroundings alongside their mother.
The pups were spotted by keepers on October 28 after being born overnight to parents Luna and Rodney.
The youngsters are doing well and are currently sticking close to their mum as they settle into life at the zoo. They will undergo their first health check in the coming weeks, when keepers will discover their sexes and choose their names.
The arrival marks another milestone for the zoo’s capybara group, following the birth of Bru in May. He became an internet sensation after becoming the first capybara to be born in Scotland in 18 years.
Now, the youngster will have to get used to sharing the spotlight with his three new siblings.
Darren McGarry, head of animal care at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said: “The triplets are adorable, exploring their new home while staying close to mum and taking in the world around them. It is wonderful to watch.
“Bru is adjusting to no longer being the centre of attention. He is a little grumpy for now but we are sure he will be best buds with his siblings once he settles.”
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents and can breed several times a year. The social animals are native to South America and are often found living near water.
The latest births come after the zoo’s capybara enclosure attracted attention on social media following a photograph of two animals sharing a pool.
The image prompted speculation about the relationship between the pair, with the zoo recently revealing that the intimate moment was shared between Rodney and Cali, Luna’s sister.
Mr McGarry said the capybaras had personalities worthy of a television soap opera.
“Capys might look cute and innocent but honestly, their lives are like something from a soap opera,” he said.
“Cali rules the roost and Luna does as she is told. Bru is the golden child. Rodney is a bit of a shy boy – but he is clearly a hit with the ladies! Like they say, it is always the quiet ones.”
The triplets’ arrival adds to the growing popularity of the zoo’s capybaras, with visitors now having another reason to keep an eye on the group as the youngsters grow.
People hoping to visit Edinburgh Zoo and see the capybara family can book tickets online at edinburghzoo.org.uk.
Tweet Share on FacebookNews
