'We are not giving up': Theft of camera traps hampers search for Samba the missing capybara
Camera traps being used in the search for a missing capybara have been stolen
Staff have said the search for Samba the capybara is being hindered after two camera traps were stolen.
The nine-month-old capybara arrived at Marwell Zoo last month with her sister, Tango, after being transported from Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Essex.
The pair made a break for it and managed to escape their temporary holding on March 17, with zoo keepers quickly locating Tango. But after a search of the perimeter, it was clear Samba had ventured further afield, sparking a major search.
Since fleeing, the zoo has received credible reports of Samba in Owslebury, Allbrook, Brambridge and Twyford, primarily along the River Itchen, which provides a suitable natural habitat.
Despite the team’s best efforts, Samba remains missing.
Marwell Zoo chief executive Laura Reed has now said the theft of the camera traps being used to locate Samba, has ‘hampered’ with the search and she is urging members of the public to remain vigilant.
She said: “Over the last weeks since Samba disappeared, we have received a number of reported sightings of her from members of the public. We are extremely grateful to everyone who is supporting us and has taken the time to get in touch with their information.
“Sadly, despite thorough follow-ups on these reports, none has yet resulted in a confirmed sighting of Samba. Our teams remain fully committed and continue to carry out searches of the area.
“We are still using thermal drone technology and camera traps in key areas where Samba is most likely to travel, particularly along waterways and dense vegetation.
“We are however facing a number of challenges. Unfortunately, two of our camera traps have been stolen which is hampering our search.”
In the weeks since her disappearance, Samba has caused a stir across social media and has quickly become a viral sensation, with dozens of deep fake pictures of the capybara in various locations circulating under the hashtag #findsama. Business and community groups such as Keep Milton Green, Tournerbury Woods Estate, Envisage Dental Emsworth and West Quay Shopping Centre among those posting images on their social media feeds.
Ms Reed added: “We’re also aware that some of the reported sightings of Samba may actually be Muntjac deer as they are found in the area and are of a similar size and colouring.
“Despite these difficulties and Samba’s natural capybara instinct to stay hidden, we are not giving up our search and remain focused on bringing her home safely.”
More recently, a capybara mural was spray painted on the side of The A Bar, in Old Portsmouth, in the early hours of Thursday, April 9 with the team believing the artwork refers to Samba.
If you think you have seen Samba, please: Take a photo, send it to 07436 167401, and include the What3Words or Google Maps location.