40K views · 488 shares | What’s cuter than a Patagonian cavy (a.k.a. mara) pup? Five pups! On Aug. 4, mother Maggie gave birth to two pups. Four days later, mother Michonne welcomed a litter of three. The Zoo’s adult male, Jesus, sired both litters. All pups appear to be healthy, thriving, and downright adorable. Plan your visit to see the pups! #WeSaveSpecies | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute | Facebook

#patagonianmara #babies | Зоопарк Бургас / ZOO Burgas-различният зоопарк

MEET THE PATAGONIAN MARA Do you know this mammal? The Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) is a species of rodent endemic to Argentina and was once wide-spread across the Patagonia steppe. It resembles a jack-rabbit crossed with a deer, and is sometimes called the Patagonian hare. But it is not a true hare, being more closely related to other steppe inhabitants like the tucu-tucu and the vizcacha. Maras can weigh up to 12 kilos, making it the second largest rodent in the world, after the capyb