Capybaras are known to be friendly and curious creatures. In a surprising turn of events, Samba, a nine-month-old capybara, escaped from Marwell Zoo near Winchester, Hampshire, just a day after her arrival. The incident has sparked a significant search operation as the zoo works to locate the missing animal.
Samba was last seen diving into the River Itchen, where local resident Claudie Paddick captured footage of her sitting on the riverbank before jumping into the water. “I was taking the dogs along the river bank and noticed something that I thought was a beaver,” Paddick stated, highlighting the initial confusion surrounding the sighting.
While Samba’s sister, Tango, was quickly recovered after the escape, Samba’s whereabouts remain uncertain. Reports indicate she has been spotted nearly three miles from the zoo, near a pub in Owslebury, and there have even been unconfirmed sightings 35 miles away in Stonehenge.
In response to the escape, Marwell Zoo has deployed a specialist dog unit to track Samba’s scent and has also utilized thermal drones to aid in the search. The zoo has urged locals to check their gardens, ponds, and rivers for any signs of the capybara.
“Marwell Zoo was really happy that it looked happy and not too stressed,” Paddick added, reflecting on her observations of Samba. Laura Read, a spokesperson for the zoo, emphasized the importance of community vigilance, saying, “Please keep an eye out for her after sunset and be careful when driving.”
Zoo officials have also advised the public not to approach Samba if spotted, urging them to contact the zoo’s 24-hour hotline instead. As the search continues, Marwell Zoo is conducting a review into how Samba managed to escape, ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
With 15 searchers deployed and ongoing efforts to locate Samba, the situation remains urgent. Observers and officials alike are hopeful for a swift resolution to the search for this adventurous capybara.