Specialist dog unit helps in search to find runaway capybara who escaped from Marwell Zoo
A runaway capybara is still missing from Marwell Zoo despite a desperate search with the help of a specialist dog unit.
Marwell’s new capybara, called Samba, arrived from Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Ipswich on Monday (March 16) before escaping her temporary holding area the following day (March 17) sparking a frantic search. Her companion, Tango, also managed to escape but she was quickly retrieved by the team, who are still desperately trying to locate Samba.
It is thought Samba was spotted on Wednesday (March 18) in the village of Owslebury with the zoo saying they have received numerous sightings, and over the weekend it deployed a specialist dog unit to help with the search who have been following her scent.
Photos of her have now also been sent to Marwell and she was spotted in the waterway between Twyford and Brambridge Garden Centre, with Marwell staff believing she is still in that area.
A statement from Marwell Zoo said: “. This has led us to a reduced search area, not far from where she was originally sighted, which has meant we could better deploy thermal drones to try and locate her.
“So far we have been unsuccessful in finding her but as the dogs have picked up her scent (and) we are keeping everything crossed we can pinpoint her location as soon as possible. The Marwell team have been on foot searching where the dogs have highlighted and we remain determined to do everything we can to bring Samba home safely.
“Our thanks once again to everyone continuing to look for Samba.”
If you believe you may have seen Samba, or if you do spot her, contact Marwell immediately on the Samba 24/7 hotline 07436 167401. Please send a photo with the location she was seen, using Google maps or What3Words.