World's largest rodent gives birth in British zoo as visitors look on

Lily, a member of the world's largest rodent species, has given birth to a pup, officials at Chester Zoo in northern England announced Thursday.

The six-year-old mom delivered her playful capybara pup in front of amazed onlookers at the zoo, and almost straight away the newborn was up, running around and swimming. The sex of baby has not yet been determined.

Capybaras are often referred to as giant guinea pigs and are found living in small herds on grasslands, in tropical forests and on wetlands across much of South America, where they spend much of their time in water. They can grow to up to 1.5 meters in length.

Their scientific name means "water pig", and their bodies have been specially adapted for swimming, with webbed feet and their eyes, ears and nostrils located on top of their heads so they can stay submerged with very little of their body showing, helping them to avoid detection by predators.

"Although not currently listed as an endangered species, the capybara is threatened by illegal poaching for its meat and skin, which can be turned into leather, as well as habitat degradation," said a spokesman at Chester Zoo.

"We hope that Lily's new arrival will help to bring some attention to the species, which they say is often overlooked," said the spokesman. Endit