A daring escape from Marwell Zoo near Winchester, Hampshire, has left staff and the public on high alert as a capybara named Samba remains at large. The large rodent, along with her companion Tango, busted out of their temporary enclosure just one day after arriving at the zoo, sparking a widespread search effort.
The Great Escape
Samba and Tango made their break for freedom on Tuesday, March 17th, in a St Patrick's Day escapade that has captured local attention. While Tango was quickly recovered from nearby bushes within the zoo grounds, Samba proved more adventurous and has evaded capture for two days. The nine-month-old capybara was last potentially sighted near The Ship Inn pub in the neighbouring village of Owslebury, but the trail has since gone cold.
Public Assistance Requested
Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo, has issued a plea for help from local residents. "Samba was more adventurous, and our specialist teams have been looking for her relentlessly since then," she stated. The zoo has set up a dedicated 24-hour hotline at 07436 167401 for sightings, asking callers to provide photos and precise location details via Google Maps or What3Words.
However, Read emphasized important safety precautions: "Please don't approach Samba or disturb the area around her as she may get stressed. It's very important that only her keepers and the team from Marwell approach her." The zoo also urged people from outside the area not to travel specifically to search for the missing capybara.
Search Strategy and Capybara Characteristics
Given capybaras' natural affinity for water, the zoo has asked residents to check gardens, ponds, rivers, and other water environments where Samba might be hiding. These semi-aquatic rodents, native to South America, can grow up to 80kg in weight and reach lengths of 1.7 metres, making them the world's largest rodent species.
"Capybaras love water so please check gardens, ponds, rivers and local water environments where she may be hiding," Read advised. "She is also more likely to travel at night so please keep an eye out for her after sunset and be careful when driving."
Despite their imposing size, zoo officials reassured the public that capybaras pose no threat. "Capybaras are lovely, intelligent animals, with a taste for adventure. They are gentle and do not pose any risk to people, pets or wildlife," the zoo stated.
Background and Ongoing Efforts
Samba and Tango arrived at Marwell Zoo earlier this week after journeying from Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park in Ipswich. Their temporary enclosure proved insufficient to contain the curious pair, leading to their brief taste of freedom.
The search has focused on the Owslebury area following the reported sighting near The Ship Inn. Zoo teams continue their relentless pursuit, combining ground searches with public reports to track down the missing capybara. As the search enters its third day, hopes remain high that Samba will be safely returned to her enclosure soon.
