(FOX40.COM) — The Sacramento Zoo announced on Monday that its female capybara, named Peppermint Patty, gave birth to a litter of five pups.

"It's an exciting time at the zoo," Anela Medeiros, lead keeper overseeing the capybaras, said. "All of the pups are bright and alert and Peppermint Patty is doing great as a first-time mom."

Zoo officials stated that over the past five months, keepers have been keeping a close eye on Patty through her pregnancy.

The zoo said the pups have shown normal behaviors and are doing well.

"The little ones are doing well, and guests can already catch a glimpse of them in their habitat as they explore their surroundings with mom," Medeiros said.

According to the Sacramento Zoo, a litter includes around five and eight pups. Capybaras are born precocial, whi

See Full Page