Eight capybara pups born at Curraghs Wildlife Park

Eight capybara pups have been born at the Curraghs Wildlife Park, Manx Radio has reported.

The litters arrived just over two weeks ago to two mothers, Agatha and Mirabell, and the young animals are now on view in the park’s walk-through habitat.

Because visitors share the space with the animals, the park has asked people to keep to the path and give the capybaras plenty of room. If the animals wander onto the path, the park said visitors should “stop and wait patiently for them to move.”

It also urged people not to approach, crowd or try to touch the capybaras, adding: “Watching quietly is the best way to enjoy these special moments.”

Capybaras are native to South America and are the largest rodents alive today. They are semi-aquatic, spending much of their time in and around water.

The arrivals give visitors to the park near Ballaugh a chance to see the youngsters during their early weeks, provided they keep their distance.