Edinburgh Zoo's triplet capybaras confirmed as two boys and a girl – and the public can name them
The pups, born on October 28 to parents Luna and Rodney, join big brother Bru, who was the first capybara born in Scotland in 18 years.
File image of capybaras. Edinburgh Zoo's new triplets were born on October 28. · Photograph: Clodomiro Esteves Junior (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Keepers at Edinburgh Zoo have confirmed that the capybaras born last week are two boys and a girl.
The trio were born overnight on October 28 to parents Luna and Rodney, in their den at the zoo.
First health checks
Keepers at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) waited a week to let the pups bond with their mum before microchipping them and confirming their sex.
The youngsters were also weighed and had their teeth checked. Capybaras' teeth grow continually throughout their lives, which is an important tool for their survival.
A growing family
The triplets join a growing family at the zoo. Their older brother Bru made headlines as the first capybara born in Scotland for 18 years when Luna and Rodney welcomed him.
Bru, named in honour of Irn-Bru, has become used to the spotlight – but will now have to share it with two younger brothers and a sister.
Name the pups
Edinburgh Zoo has invited the public to help choose names for the new arrivals.
About capybaras
Capybaras are the world's largest rodents and are native to South America, where they live in groups near rivers, lakes and wetlands. They are strong swimmers and spend much of their time in and around water.
They have become hugely popular with zoo visitors and on social media for their famously relaxed nature.