Escaped capybara: Search goes on for missing Samba who ran off from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire
The hunt is still on for a zoo’s escaped capybara which is roaming the Hampshire countryside.
Samba was one of two new animals being moved into Marwell Zoo - along with fellow female Tango - having arrived from Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Essex last Monday. The pair managed to get out of their temporary building on Tuesday, and while Tango was caught soon afterwards, Samba went on the run.
The alert for her was raised publicly on Thursday, and drone operators and dog teams have been brought in to hunt for the escaped rodent.
This morning (Monday) drones were sent up again at 6.30am and hunt teams are continuing to search the area. A dog walker spotted her over the weekend by the River Itchen and sent a video to the zoo - which asked people in the Twyford and Brambridge areas to keep a look out for her. There have been no confirmed sightings since the video.
The zoo has asked people to check ponds, as capybaras enjoy being in water. Marewll said last week: “Capybaras are intelligent gentle animals, with a taste for adventure. They do not pose a risk to the public, however we strongly advise against approaching Samba or disturbing any area she may be hiding, to prevent causing her stress.
“Under no circumstances should a member of the public try to capture her by themselves.”
Anyone who sees Samba shoudl call the zoo immediately on 07436 167401 and send a photo with location, using Google maps or What3Words.