Two Young Capybaras Arrive at the San Francisco Zoo, With a Public Debut Set for October 13

The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens has two new capybaras, a male and female sibling pair about four months old, and plans to put them on public view as soon as Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The zoo announced their arrival from the Sacramento Zoo on October 8. It is the first time in nearly 10 years that visitors can see capybaras at the zoo.

The Capybaras

The pair came from the Sacramento Zoo through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Capybara Species Survival Plan, the program that coordinates where zoo capybaras are placed. Each weighs roughly 33 to 44 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms), according to the zoo. They have not been named yet.

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and are native to Central and South America. Adults can reach 110 to 150 pounds or more. They are semi-aquatic, and curator Quinn Brown, who oversees their habitat, said the two were already exploring the yard and swimming laps. The zoo says the female headed straight for the pond the first time she was let into the exhibit.

Where to See Them

The capybaras live in Puente al Sur (“Bridge to the South”), a mixed-species habitat with four separate areas. They share it with a giant anteater, a Southern pudu, a pair of Western Santa Cruz giant tortoises and Pacha, the zoo’s male Baird’s tapir. A boardwalk overlooks the yard and its outdoor pond. The zoo plans to introduce the capybaras to Pacha later.

Capybaras are not new to the zoo. A herd once lived near the Nile hippos before the species moved to Puente al Sur.

Timing

The pair is spending several days acclimating out of public view. The zoo gives Tuesday, October 13 as the tentative public opening and has not published a time, so it could shift if the animals need longer. SFist reports a members-only preview on Monday, October 12, from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

Visiting the Zoo

Where: Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway. Phone (415) 753-7080.

Hours: 10am to 5pm every day, including holidays. General admission entry closes at 4pm.

Admission: Adults (12 to 64) $32 on weekdays and $34 on weekends and holidays. Seniors (65 and up) $25 and $27. Children 2 to 11 $22 and $24. San Francisco residents with proof of address pay $29 and $31 for adults, $21 and $23 for seniors, and $19 and $21 for children. Children under 2 and members get in free.

Getting there: Take the L Taraval outbound to the zoo; Muni’s 23 and 18 bus lines also stop nearby. Show a same-day Muni receipt, transfer or monthly pass at the ticket window for $1 off admission. On-site parking is $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays, with no in-and-out privileges.

The zoo is also bringing back its holiday light show this fall; see ZooLights returns November 6.

Sources: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens announcement (October 8, 2026), San Francisco Zoo visitor information, SFist (October 9, 2026).

Photo: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens.