WMBCTV: Twin Capybara Pups Set for Public Debut at Turtle Back Zoo
- May 15
- 2 min read
They may be small now - but these two baby capybaras are already making a big splash. Turtle Back Zoo recently announced the birth of twin pups born on St. Patrick’s Day to parents Poseidon and Iris. As the pups continue getting stronger behind the scenes, the zoo is preparing for their next big milestone - introducing them to visitors outdoors on warmer days later this month. And before that happens, zoo officials say they need help from the public deciding what to call them.
“We do have a naming contest up,” said Jilian Fazio, Director, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. “We picked some different names for our guests to be able to go on and vote and all of the funds go back to zoological society for conservation of the species.”
The zoo has launched an online naming contest featuring five possible name pairings - including options inspired by mythology, indigenous languages, and even a St. Patrick’s Day-themed choice. Supporters can cast votes through the zoo’s online poll. Voting remains open through May 16th, with the winning names expected to be announced the following day. For now, staff say the twins are continuing to adjust well - and visitors may soon catch their first glimpse of the newest additions exploring their habitat together.
“They’re just getting to get out in the yard for the first time so we like to give our animals a lot of choice over when they’re exploring but temperature is probably the biggest piece,” said Jilian Fazio, Director, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. “We do like for them to have access if it’s under 55 so we have been telling guests that if the giraffes are out, then the capybara are out. They are South American so they like it to be a bit warmer and with the pups being younger, we are giving them more leeway on the warmer side.”
Zoo officials say the babies faced some early health challenges and needed additional treatment and monitoring in their first weeks of life. But thanks to the work of the animal care and veterinary teams, the twins are now healthy, active and growing quickly. The capybara pups are expected to begin making limited outdoor appearances in late May, weather permitting.
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