Rupert joins Sussex capybara sisters as zoo hopes for breeding group
One-year-old capybara Rupert has arrived at Drusillas Park in Sussex from a wildlife park in Belgium, where he is being introduced to sisters Squash and Pumpkin. Keepers say the trio have quickly settled together, sharing food, cuddles and time in the pool, raising hopes Rupert could become part of a breeding group.
Staff took care with the introductions because female capybaras can reject potential mates. The zoo has bred capybaras successfully before: the sisters’ mother, Clementine, had six offspring after eventually pairing with Augustus, who has since moved to Dartmoor Zoo. Moving animals between zoos supports coordinated breeding programmes across the UK.
- Rupert has joined Squash and Pumpkin at a Sussex zoo.
- Keepers say the trio are getting along.
- The move supports coordinated capybara breeding.
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Capybaras are the world's largest living rodents, native to South America. They are semi-aquatic animals that live near rivers and lakes, and they are known for their calm, sociable nature. In their natural habitat, they live in groups and spend much of their time in water.
Zoos often work together to breed animals in captivity, moving individuals between different facilities to create suitable pairs or groups. This helps maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations and can support conservation efforts for endangered species. Animal breeding programmes are carefully planned to ensure the best outcomes for the animals involved.
Drusillas Park, located in Sussex, has successfully bred capybaras before. The zoo has experience introducing capybaras and ensuring they settle well together, which is important because the animals can be particular about their mates.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Capy ever after? New capybara named Rupert arrives at UK zoo… in search of love”.