Category: Animals
Published on: August 4th, 2026
Our New Male Capybara Makes a Splash at Knowsley Safari
There's a new face in Equatorial Paddock, and he's already making himself right at home.
We're delighted to introduce 5-year-old Archimedes, our new male capybara, who has recently joined females Dilly and Darla in one of the Foot Safari's largest habitats.
Since arriving from Northumberland Zoo, Archimedes has been busy exploring every corner of his five-acre paddock, getting to know his new surroundings and making full use of the paddock's impressive lake. As a semi-aquatic species, capybaras love spending time in the water, so it wasn't long before he was spotted taking a swim.
Like many introductions, things didn't all go perfectly smoothly from the start.
While one of the girls was quick to welcome her new companion, the other was a little more cautious, greeting Archimedes with a frosty reception as they worked out the social dynamics of their newly expanded group. Keepers monitored the introductions closely, allowing the capybaras time and space to get to know one another at their own pace.
Thankfully, any initial uncertainty was short-lived. Over the following days, the trio began spending more time together and Archimedes has settled in brilliantly alongside Dilly and Darla.
The capybaras also share their home with other South American species, including our lowland tapir and vicuña, creating a vibrant mixed-species habitat that reflects the animals' natural environment.
The arrival of Archimedes marks an exciting step for the group. As a social species, capybaras thrive in family groups and, in the future, we hope Dilly, Darla and Archimedes may produce young of their own.
While there's nothing to announce just yet, everyone here has their fingers crossed for the pitter-patter of tiny, webbed feet in the future.
Visitors can spot Archimedes, Dilly and Darla in Equatorial Paddock during their next visit to Knowsley Safari. Whether they're grazing together, relaxing by the water's edge or taking a dip in the lake, the trio are becoming quite the inseparable group.
Welcome to Knowsley Safari, Archimedes. We think you're going to fit right in.
