Sacramento Zoo welcomes six new capybara pups in Peppermint Patty's second litter

Daniel Lempres, The Sacramento Bee on Apr 28, 2026

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Zoo welcomed a litter of capybara pups last weekend, zoo officials announced Monday. The six pups are the second litter delivered by a capybara named Peppermint Patty, who also gave birth to five pups in October.

The new litter was born on April 18 at the Land Park attraction. The zoo said the pups were in good health and showing normal behavior.

“Guests can already catch a glimpse of them in their habitat as they explore their surroundings with mom,” the zoo said in the announcement.

Zoo officials said the October litter had been moved to a separate habitat because capybaras are typically weaned and independent within four months.

The new pups can already be seen exploring their new home with their mother.

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents and are native to South and Central America. Adults can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh as much as 170 pounds.

“While wild capybara populations face deforestation, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching, they are considered Not Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),” according to the press release. The Sacramento Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for capybaras, which means the zoo works with others to ensure the species’ survival outside of its natural habitat.

The Sacramento Zoo houses more than 300 species and draws about 500,000 visitors annually. At roughly 14 acres, it is among the smallest zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo is looking to expand its footprint by about 40% within William Land Park. Last year, the zoo decided it would remain in Land Park after deciding against a move to Elk Grove. The zoo also expanded its capybara exhibit last year and installed a larger pool.