Protective father Dotom guards newborn capybara triplets during first outing

Capybara father Dotom has demonstrated intense paternal devotion by scouting surroundings and blocking cameras to protect his three-week-old triplets, Ildung, Ideung, and Samdung, following their birth on September 28.

Triple the joy and triple the cuteness! Capybara triplets have been born.

Famous for being the "ultimate socialites" of the animal kingdom, capybaras are known for their friendly personalities, forming friendships across species boundaries and being frequently associated with the keyword "sociability." The popular capybara couple, who have been garnering attention for their cute appearance and relaxed charm, recently celebrated a joyful event. On September 28, a set of capybara triplets, who look just like their mother Dutumi and father Dotom, were born.

No one was more delighted by the birth of the triplets than the father, Dotom. He reportedly never left the side of his wife, Dutumi, as she went through labor, and once the offspring were born, he appeared even more restless than the mother. Even when Dutumi tried to push him away, Dotom refused to leave the side of the young ones, showing devoted care like a true "baby-fool" father.

Dotom's extraordinary paternal love shone even brighter during the triplets' first outing. He would step outside before the young ones to thoroughly scout the surroundings, only calling the family out once he had confirmed it was safe. He even went as far as providing "ironclad protection" by using his body to block the production crew's cameras as they attempted to film the offspring from a distance. It is reported that the production crew could not hide their surprise at Dotom's 180-degree change in behavior, as he is usually friendly toward everyone.

Meanwhile, under the reliable protection of their father, the two-week-old triplets have begun exploring the world. As capybaras are "precocial animals" that are born with their eyes open and fur, and are able to walk almost immediately, the offspring are already busy walking, running, and imitating any behavior shown by their parents. Their curiosity and appetite are so vigorous that they have reportedly begun eyeing their parents' food even before being weaned.

With their curiosity exploding at the new world, will the baby capybaras—Ildung, Ideung, and Samdung—be able to safely complete their first outing under the seamless protection of their father Dotom? This will be revealed this week on SBS.

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