A Scottish farmer has been left devastated after her two beloved capybaras vanished without a trace, with the growing fear that the rare animals may have been stolen.
Beloved Pets Disappear Without a Trace
Nikki Lake, 34, who runs Thorabella Farm in Forres, Moray with her husband Ollie, 38, discovered the ten-month-old rodents, named Esmerelda and Javier, were missing on January 6. The couple had waited 18 months to welcome the exotic pair, which are roughly the size of a small cocker spaniel, to their farm.
"When we first went to their enclosure we saw their food was still there and instantly knew something was wrong," Mrs Lake explained. "Your worst fears come to light – maybe they got stuck in the snow or drowned in the lake – but we haven’t seen any trace."
An Exhaustive Search Yields No Clues
The Lakes immediately informed the police and spent the entire following day searching their property. The search was extensive, involving digging in the snow, checking the pond, and even using thermal imaging cameras. Given the remote location and snowy conditions, access would have required a 4x4 vehicle.
"We’re left with a horrible feeling they may have been stolen, which is absolutely heartbreaking," Mrs Lake said. "We are still searching and will do anything to find out what happened. Not knowing is horrible." Despite the emotional toll, the couple have had to continue with the day-to-day running of their working farm.
The Complexities of Keeping Capybaras in the UK
With capybaras soaring in popularity, the Lakes fear their rarity made them a target. Although it is legal to keep capybaras as pets in the UK, it involves a significant commitment and requires a specific licence from the local authority. The animals need:
- Large amounts of space.
- A dedicated swimming area.
- A specialised diet and constant fresh water.
Thorabella Farm, a family-run business featured on the BBC's This Farming Life, is known for its diverse array of animals, including water buffalo, Highland cattle, sheep, and pigs. The search for Esmerelda and Javier continues with police assistance.
