Is Samba still missing?: Marwell Zoo issues update after fugitive capybara evades search parties
Samba the capybara has made headlines over the past few weeks after escaping her temporary holding at Marwell Zoo.
The missing capybara fled her temporary holding at the conservation zoo on March 17 fafter arriving from Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Essex with fellow companion, Tango.
Despite launching a major search and rescue, consisting of specially trained dogs and thermal drones, Marwell is yet to locate the nine-month-old capybara.
So far, the zoo has received credible reports of Samba in Owslebury, Allbrook, Brambridge and Twyford, primarily along the River Itchen, which provides a suitable natural habitat.
In an update on April 9, Marwell Zoo said: “We’ve received a number of reported sightings across the surrounding areas. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch.
“Unfortunately, despite thorough follow-ups on these reports, none have resulted in a confirmed sighting of Samba.Our teams remain fully committed and continue to carry out extensive searches both day and night.
“We are still using specialist tracking dogs, thermal drone technology, and camera traps in key areas where Samba is most likely to travel, particularly along waterways and dense vegetation.
“While this is a challenging search due to the size of the area and Samba’s natural instincts to stay hidden, we are not giving up and remain focused on bringing her home safely.”
In the weeks since her disappearance, 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.
Most recently, a capybara mural was spray painted on the side of The A Bar, in Old Portsmouth, in the early hours of Thursday morning (April 9) with the team believing the artwork refers to Samba.
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.