Suseex: Drusillas Zoo off the A27 celebrates baby boom

Visitors to Drusillas, off the A27 in Alfriston, can look out for twin capybaras, dwarf mongoose triplets, a red-handed tamarin, a silvery marmoset and six prairie dog pups.

The capybaras welcomed two new healthy and happy pups to their herd by “super mum” Clementine.

Capybara babies Pumpkin and Swede with mum Clementine (Image: Drusillas)

The twins are doing brilliantly according to keepers and are particularly fond of playing in their swimming pool.

Drusillas asked the public to help name the pair and decided on Pumpkin and Swede, fitting with the current naming theme with siblings Tango, Marmalade, Squash and Satsuma (who recently joined Ventura Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire).

On July 22, the zoo also welcomed triplet dwarf mongoose pups Hamish, Hubert and Harris, who are delighting visitors with their playful and silly nature. Their oldest sibling Maverick was the first of the species born at the zoo in October 2022. Mum Goose has proved to be a wonderful mum of eight.

Triplet dwarf mongoose pups Hamish, Hubert, and Harris (Image: Drusillas)

On June 30, keepers discovered a tiny red-handed tamarin infant clinging to mum Isla. The baby’s older siblings Bowie and Ozzy have reportedly been sweet and supportive with the new arrival.

Red handed tamarin baby Hendrix with his mum (Image: Drusillas)

The public chose to keep the rock star naming theme and called the baby Hendrix.

Keepers were delighted to discover a tiny silvery marmoset on May 3, to experienced parents Bonnie and Pearl. The curious and confident addition was named Nova.

Silvery marmoset baby Nova with mum (Image: Drusillas)

At the end of April, the zoo also welcomed six new prairie dog pups who can be seen bobbing in and out of their burrows and play fighting. The public chose to name the brood Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, Chilli, Trixie and Stripe after the popular children’s TV show.

Two of the prairie dog pups (Image: Drusillas)

Visitors are also loving one-year-old Echo, the two toed sloth, who is starting to take her first steps off mum.

Echo the sloth with mum (Image: Drusillas)

Pedro, a one-year-old colobus monkey who is constantly causing chaos according to his keepers, is another highlight for visitors.

Pedro the colobus baby with mum (Image: Drusillas)

Head keeper Gemma Romanis said: “It seems like there are babies everywhere at the moment, it’s clear our animals have been… keeping busy.

“It’s one of the best parts of our jobs seeing successful births. Many of our animals are part of EAZA Ex Situ Programmes (EEPs) to ensure threatened species have a healthy backup population in zoos, so it’s a vital role that zoos play in conservation. It’s possible we will have more new arrivals in the not-so-distant future too, so I have my fingers firmly crossed for the pitter patter of more paws and claws.”