A Scottish farmer has been left devastated after her two much-loved capybaras vanished without a trace, with fears they may have been stolen.
Mysterious Disappearance on a Snowy Farm
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 working 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."
Extensive Search Yields No Clues
The Lakes immediately informed the police and spent the entire following day searching their property. Despite using thermal cameras and digging through snow to check their pond, the animals have not been found. The challenging winter conditions mean a 4x4 vehicle would be needed to access the remote farm, adding to the mystery.
"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." With capybaras soaring in popularity as unusual pets, the family fears the worst.
Life and Legislation for Exotic Pets in the UK
Although it is legal to keep capybaras in the UK, it involves a significant commitment requiring a specific licence from a local authority. The world's largest rodents have demanding needs:
- Large amounts of space with a swimming area.
- A specialised diet.
- Constant access to fresh water.
Thorabella Farm, a family-run business featured in the BBC docu-series This Farming Life, is known for its diverse array of animals, including water buffalo, Highland cattle, sheep, and pigs. Despite the ongoing distress, the daily work of the farm continues. "This is a working farm and the animals don’t wait for anyone," Mrs Lake stated.
Police have been informed as the search for Esmerelda and Javier continues.
