Two Capybara Siblings Debut at San Francisco Zoo, Ending Nearly Decade-Long Absence

Two four-month-old capybara siblings have officially settled into the Puente al Sur habitat at the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens, ending a nearly decade-long absence of the South American rodents at the oceanfront facility. Transferred from the Sacramento Zoo on October 8 under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Capybara Species Survival Plan, the brother-and-sister pair bring renewed energy to the South American wildlife zone along Sloat Boulevard. Every zoological official noted that the park had not housed capybaras since around 2016, making their arrival a milestone for conservation educators.

Each four-month-old sibling weighed between 33 and 44 pounds upon arrival in San Francisco, with veterinary staff projecting the pair will reach adult weights exceeding 100 pounds. SFGATE reported that the young female capybara immediately demonstrated the semi-aquatic species' natural instincts by diving into the outdoor pond and swimming laps upon entering the enclosure. Inside the lush Puente al Sur exhibit, the capybara siblings share landscaped grounds with a giant anteater, a Baird's tapir, a Southern pudu, and Western Santa Cruz giant tortoises.

San Francisco Zoo and Gardens hosted an exclusive preview for zoological society members on October 12 before opening general public viewing later that week, as shared on the zoo's official Instagram account. Families and school groups traveling from Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Oakland, and across Contra Costa County have already begun planning weekend excursions to observe the young rodents during morning feedings. Wildlife docents emphasized that watching the social herbivores interact with neighboring South American species offers visitors an engaging lesson in wetland biodiversity.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission and the San Francisco Zoological Society board oversee the joint habitat modernization program and municipal funding allocations that sustain accredited Species Survival Plan partnerships. Animal care department supervisors confirmed that heated shelters, water filtration upgrades, and enrichment stations were inspected prior to the October transfer from Sacramento. Transit district planners also reminded East Bay families that the zoo remains easily accessible via BART transfers to the Muni L-Taraval line.

Visitors can observe the capybara siblings daily between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM at 1 Zoo Road in San Francisco, where adult admission is $29 and youth tickets cost $20. Guests can reserve timed entry passes, review keeper talk schedules, and explore membership options online at sfzoo.org or by calling (415) 753-7080. Inquiries regarding elementary school field trip grants and docent tours may be directed to the conservation education department.