A large-scale search operation is ongoing for a capybara that escaped from Marwell Zoo near Winchester nine days ago, with the animal still at large despite urgent efforts by zoo staff and reports of a sighting by a local dogwalker.
Escape and Initial Sighting
The capybara, named Samba and aged nine months, arrived at Marwell Zoo from Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk on Monday, March 16, only to escape the very next day. This has sparked a desperate hunt involving thermal drones and ground teams, as the rodent remains missing in the surrounding area.
Dogwalker's Encounter
Claudie Paddick, a dogwalker, reported spotting the capybara on Sunday along the River Itchen near Winchester. She initially mistook the animal for a deer, stating to the BBC, "I thought it was a deer – you don't casually see a capybara on your walks." Her pet dog spooked the capybara, causing it to plunge into the water, and she noted the animal was "rapid" and sunbathing happily on the riverbank before the encounter.
Search Challenges and Public Appeal
Laura Read, chief executive officer of Marwell Wildlife, has urged the public to remain vigilant, describing Samba as "the size of a small to medium dog - not as big as a spaniel, light brown but she is not fully grown – as she is only nine months old." The search has been complicated by several false sightings, with thermal drones picking up muntjac deer, which are similar in size to capybaras. Paddick added a word of caution, saying, "I don't think it's going to be very easy..." to locate the escaped animal.
Zoo staff continue their efforts, but as of now, Samba remains on the loose, with the community and authorities keeping a close watch for any further signs of the missing capybara.
