Tasmania Zoo has welcomed three new residents.
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On Saturday, February 9, first time mum Morgan the capybara gave birth to three healthy pups.
Capybaras are native to South America, and are the world's largest living rodents. They have a close relation to guinea pigs and rock cavies.
The three young pups were the first capybaras to be born at the zoo, said head primate keeper Taryn Moore.
Ms Moore said capybaras often lived in large groups and shared parenting duties.
The zoo was also home to capybaras Frank, the father of the pups, and Lulu, Morgan's sister.
Ms Moore said capybaras were semi aquatic mammals, with pups able to swim from about five days old.
They can also hold their breath for up to five minutes, she said.
As the pups were quite young, they had not yet been sexed or named.
The capybaras are one of about 100 different species that call Tasmania Zoo home.
Tasmania Zoo is located on Ecclestone Road at Riverside.
For more information, visit tasmaniazoo.com.au.
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Kasey Wilkins
Kasey Wilkins is education reporter at The Examiner, and also covers the East Coast. Get in touch at kasey.wilkins@examiner.com.au.
Kasey Wilkins is education reporter at The Examiner, and also covers the East Coast. Get in touch at kasey.wilkins@examiner.com.au.
