EDINBURGH Zoo has welcomed two new additions with a pair of capybaras arriving from a Suffolk wildlife park.
The two female capybaras arrived yesterday from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in the town of Ipswich.
The two new additions to the zoo are the first capybaras in 15 years to be resident in the Scots capital.
They will remain inside for the first few days to help them acclimatise to their new surroundings before being allowed into their outside enclosure.
Visitors may struggle to spot them while they are still indoors but once their outdoor enclosure opens the two new ladies will be much easier to see.
The new additions are siblings and are young, being just seven months old, with capybaras in general living up to 12 years in captivity.
The pair have yet to be named as the zoo waits for them to settle in, before deciding what to call the sisters.
Darren McGarry, head of living collections at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said: “It is so exciting to have capybara at the zoo for the first time in over 15 years.
“Our two young females are getting used to their new home and are already showing the keepers their inquisitive little personalities.
“We hope visitors will still be able to spot them while they’re staying inside for the first few days.”
Jimmy Doherty, founder and CEO of Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park, said: “Our inquisitive and friendly capybara pups are set to begin an exciting new chapter as they move to their new home at Edinburgh Zoo.
“These little explorers have brought so much joy to everyone here and whilst we’ll miss their playful antics, we know they’re ready for their next adventure.
“We can’t wait for visitors at Edinburgh Zoo to fall in love with them just as we have.”
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, growing up to 4ft in length and weighing as much as 60kg.
The large rodents are set to explore their new habitat in a few days’ time with the enclosure being specifically designed for them to mimic their natural environment.
