Marwell Zoo Appeals for Public Help to Find Elusive Capybara Samba Hiding in Ponds and Gardens Around Winchester

Marwell Zoo near Winchester, Hampshire, is intensifying the search for Samba, a capybara who has been on the loose since escaping her temporary enclosure shortly after arriving at the zoo.

While her pen-mate Tango was quickly recaptured hiding in bushes, Samba has proven far more elusive, prompting a full-scale search involving local residents and specially trained sniffer dogs.

Residents Asked to Check Ponds and Gardens

Zoo officials have asked nearby residents to inspect their gardens, ponds, and local rivers, warning that these are likely hiding spots for the adventurous giant rodent.

Sniffer dogs have now been deployed, helping the search team narrow down Samba’s possible locations and bringing the operation into its sixth day.

New Sighting Along the River Itchen

The hunt gained fresh momentum after a new sighting emerged on the River Itchen. Mother-of-two Claudie Paddick, 42, spotted Samba around 11:05 a.m. on Sunday.

Attempting to approach the capybara, her Labrador Growler startled Samba, sending her splashing into the water.

Mrs. Paddick quickly alerted her neighbor, who identified the animal and contacted Marwell Zoo.

“I initially thought it was a beaver, then an injured deer,” Mrs. Paddick said.

“When it jumped into the river and vanished, I had no idea what I was seeing. Now, after seeing Samba in action, I feel like a capybara expert!”

Specialist Team Responds with Technology

Following the sighting, Marwell Zoo deployed a 15-member search team equipped with heat-seeking technology to locate Samba.

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Previous potential sightings have ranged as far as 35 miles away, including Stonehenge and a pub in Owslebury, but the latest report has allowed the team to concentrate their efforts closer to the original area.

Expert Advice for Local Helpers

Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo, reassured the public that Samba appears healthy and is not overly stressed.

She emphasized that capybaras are more active at night and love water, so residents should be vigilant around ponds, rivers, and other local water sources.

Zoo officials warned against approaching Samba directly, asking that only trained keepers handle her to prevent stress or danger to both the animal and the public.

Background on Samba and Capybaras

Samba arrived at Marwell Zoo from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park alongside Tango earlier in the week.

Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, can weigh up to 80kg and reach 1.7 meters in length, and they are native to South America.

Marwell Zoo has launched an internal review to understand how Samba managed to escape so quickly from her temporary enclosure.

Impact and Consequences

The escape has disrupted local areas and sparked widespread public interest, with sightings being reported far from the zoo.

It also raises questions about zoo security protocols for exotic animals and the responsibilities of institutions when new arrivals are introduced to temporary habitats.

What’s Next?

Marwell Zoo continues its search with sniffer dogs, drones, and heat-sensing equipment.

Locals are urged to report any sightings through a 24-hour hotline at 07436 167401, including photos and precise locations.

Zoo officials caution visitors from outside the area not to attempt their own searches, emphasizing the importance of minimizing stress for Samba.

Summary

Samba, a capybara who escaped from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, has captured the attention of locals and the media.

While Tango was quickly recaptured, Samba remains at large, prompting the deployment of sniffer dogs, heat-seeking drones, and a concentrated search along local rivers and ponds.

Residents are asked to assist in the search carefully, while the zoo reviews how the escape occurred.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Samba, a capybara, escaped Marwell Zoo shortly after arriving with pen-mate Tango.
• Tango was quickly recaptured; Samba remains missing for six days.
• Sniffer dogs and heat-sensing technology are now being used to track her.
• Local resident Claudie Paddick filmed a sighting along the River Itchen.
• Residents are urged to check ponds, gardens, and rivers and report sightings via the zoo’s 24-hour hotline.