The arrival of a brand-new capybara habitat at the Welsh Mountain Zoo is marking another exciting chapter in the ongoing transformation of one of North Wales’ most treasured attractions.

The zoo has given animal lovers a sneak peek behind the scenes as staff put the finishing touches to the specially-designed enclosure ahead of its official unveiling during the zoo’s Birthday Weekend celebrations on Saturday, May 16.

Built using wood sourced directly from North Wales, the new habitat has been designed and constructed by the zoo’s in-house team, highlighting the care and craftsmanship that continues to shape developments at the Colwyn Bay landmark.

The habitat will become home to the zoo’s first-ever capybara – a young male who has already captured the imagination of visitors before even making his public debut.

To celebrate the arrival, the zoo has launched a fundraising campaign inviting the public to help name the capybara, with supporters able to suggest names in return for a donation.

The campaign is raising funds to support future zoo developments while also helping educate visitors about threatened wetland environments across the world.

For a suggested minimum donation of £3, people can submit a name suggestion for the new arrival, with one lucky winner set to receive a capybara-themed gift box and tickets for four people to visit the zoo.

Zoo staff say the campaign is about more than simply naming an animal — it is about allowing the community to become part of the capybara’s story from the very beginning.

Native to the wetlands of South America, capybaras are the world’s largest rodents and are famous for their calm, social nature. Often described as gentle giants, they can grow to more than four feet long and weigh as much as an adult person.

Capybaras are highly social animals that thrive in groups and spend much of their time in water, where they are excellent swimmers. Their partially webbed feet help them glide through rivers and marshes, while they can even hold their breath underwater for several minutes to escape predators.

Their easy-going personalities and unusual appearance have made them hugely popular online in recent years, with countless viral videos showing capybaras peacefully relaxing alongside other animals.

The arrival of the species is another sign of the continued evolution of the Welsh Mountain Zoo, which has undergone major improvements and investment in recent years.

Perched high above Colwyn Bay with sweeping views across the coastline, the zoo has long been one of North Wales’ best-loved family attractions and an important part of the community for generations.

As well as welcoming thousands of visitors each year, the zoo plays a key role in conservation, education and tourism across the region, helping inspire younger generations to care about wildlife and the natural world.

Recent years have seen continued efforts to modernise animal habitats, improve visitor experiences and strengthen the zoo’s conservation message, ensuring the site remains a major attraction for both local families and tourists visiting North Wales.

The new capybara habitat is expected to become one of the zoo’s most popular additions yet, especially with the public now having the chance to help choose the animal’s name.

Entries to the naming fundraiser close at midday on June 1, with the final decision being made by the zoo’s animal team. To take part and get involved visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wmz-capybara-name