The Bedford Estates, LondonThey’re back! Well… technically, they never really left, but after months of behind-the-scenes work, Woburn Safari Park’s much-loved capybara have officially moved into a brand-new enclosure in the Foot Safari, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them back into the spotlight.
The Park welcomed a group of capybara pups in September 2024, and while many have now gone on to join other institutions as part of important breeding programmes, two very special youngsters have stayed at the Park, Yorkie and Yoko. Brother and sister, the duo are the grandchildren of James and Mavis, the very first capybara to ever call Woburn their home.
Keepers carefully moved the pair from their old enclosure at Alpaca Outpost to their brand-new habitat, located right next to Farmyard Friends in the Foot Safari. They travelled in specialist crates handled by trained keepers to make sure they stayed safe and comfortable along whole way.
A paddock with space for paddling
Their new home is designed with capybara comforts in mind and that means plenty of water! With not one but two large pools to splash around in, Yorkie and Yoko can cool off, swim, and graze by the water’s edge, just like they would in the wild. There are also two cosy shelters, one with a perfect view for visitors, and another tucked away for some optional quiet time.
This choice is an important part of their welfare, giving them the freedom to decide where they want to spend their day.
New Home, New Adventures
At under a year old, Yorkie and Yoko are still finding their (webbed) feet in their new surroundings. Keepers are spending plenty of time with them, bringing their favourite snacks and slowly building trust, so they’ll be confident for routine health checks in the future.
Animal Encounter Deputy Head, James said: “We are happy to welcome the capybara’s back to the foot safari into their new enclosure. The pond and plant features in their new enclosure have been specifically designed to mimic their wild habitat, which will help them feel right at home. We are particularly excited as Yorkie and Yoko are the grandchildren of James and Mavis who were the first ever capybaras at Woburn.”
Be sure to swing by the Foot Safari on your next visit to say hello to the sweet sibling duo, and watch them make a splash in their new enclosure!