Two novelties have appeared at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Capybara puppies Antonio and Mirabel make their zoo debut.

The sibling was born on July 26, 2022 and came to the zoo from the Montgomery Zoo in Alabama.

The pups are now getting to know Poppy, the zoo’s current 4-year-old capybara, and getting used to their new habitat.

Antonio and Mirabel are part of the Species Survival Plan (a population management and conservation program for selected wildlife species), so the zoo hopes the three will make a good new herd.

“Both Antonio and Mirabel have big personalities and even bigger appetites!” shared zoo manager Kristen Wieners. “They are very interested in the staff and exploring new things, and we really enjoy getting to know them!”

Zoo officials say that capybaras need to be carefully introduced to new herd mates, as they can defend their homes. Until the group is comfortable together, Poppy will take turns in the habitat with Antonio and Mirabelle.

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and live in Central and South America. They are semi-aquatic mammals with partially webbed feet. They are able to stay under water for up to five minutes. Like other rodents, the capybara’s front teeth grow continuously to compensate for the depletion of its diet of grasses and aquatic plants.