'Samba remains missing': Extensive searches continue to track down runaway capybara
Extensive searches plough on in a desperate attempt to locate a runaway capybara, who has evaded teams at Marwell Zoo for more than two weeks.
Samba - the missing capybara - has made national headlines this month after escaping her temporary holding at Marwell Zoo on March 17 following her arrival from Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Essex with fellow companion, Tango.
Despite locating Tango, the zoo was unable to track down the second nine-month-old capybara, sparking a major search and rescue - which continues.
“We are continuing to do everything we can to bring Samba home safely. This includes deploying specialist dog units to track her scent using bedding from both Samba and Tango, using thermal drones to identify her amongst the vegetation, and placing camera traps along the waterways where we believe she may be.”
So far, the conservation wildlife zoo has received credible reports of Samba in Owslebury, Allbrook, Brambridge and Twyford, primarily along the River Itchen, which provides a suitable natural habitat.
The update continued: “Our teams continue to carry out extensive searches both day and night. However, the area being covered is large, and Samba is particularly adept at avoiding detection, which has resulted in limited confirmed sightings.
“Our teams remain fully focused on safely locating Samba, while continuing to care for all animals here at the zoo.”
In the days since fleeing, Samba has caused a stir across social media and has quickly become a viral sensation, with dozens of deep fake pictures of the capybara in various locations circulating under the hashtag #findsama. Business and community groups such as Keep Milton Green, Tournerbury Woods Estate, Envisage Dental Emsworth and West Quay Shopping Centre among those posting images on their social media feeds.
If you think you have seen Samba, please: Take a photo, send it to 07436 167401, and include the What3Words or Google Maps location.
More updates to follow.