A capybara that broke free from her zoo enclosure has evaded recapture for ten weeks, despite being sighted multiple times.
A zoo has said there have been ‘several credible sightings’ in recent days, of Samba, who escaped from captivity nearly three months ago.
Marwell Zoo has received reports that 11-month-old Samba, who has been on the run since the March 17, was recently spotted around three miles (5km) away in Brambridge, near Winchester.
In a post on social media, the Hampshire-based Zoo said more than 20 members of its team have been carrying out ground searches and deploying additional camera traps in the area.
Her disappearance attracted interest from around the world, and Marwell Wildlife thanked the local community for continuing to report sightings.
Samba escaped from Marwell in March, prompting a search that has so far proved unsuccessful despite numerous efforts and public sightings.
The zoo said it was grateful for the support of the community.
A spokesperson said: “While our thermal drones and camera trap network continue to play a vital role in the search for Samba, putting large numbers of people on the ground is only effective when we have specific, recent information about where she may be.
“With these latest reports providing a much narrower search area, our teams have been looking for footprints, droppings and any direct signs of Samba’s presence. Unfortunately, despite today’s extensive efforts, our teams were still unable to locate Samba.
“However, the recent sightings have helped us significantly narrow down the search area, and we remain hopeful.
“Samba’s welfare remains our absolute priority, and we are continuing to use every appropriate tool available to help us locate her and bring her safely back to Marwell.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support and sightings reported by our local community, which remain invaluable to the search efforts.”
Five days after her escape, Samba was seen resting in the sunshine at the side of a river near the zoo by a dog walker who captured phone footage as she jumped in the water and swam off.
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, weighing up to 80kg and measuring up to 1.7 metres in size, and are native to South America.
Locals who might happen upon the rodent are urged to contact the zoo so Samba can be safely recovered.
Zoo staff believe that both Samba and her sister Tango squeezed under a low gate in an off-show area, allowing them to escape.
While Tango was quickly recovered, the search for Samba continues.
Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo, previously said: “Tango didn’t stray too far, hiding in bushes in the zoo, and is now safely returned.
“Samba was more adventurous, and our specialist teams have been looking for her relentlessly since then.
“Capybaras love water so please check gardens, ponds, rivers and local water environments where she may be hiding. She is also more likely to travel at night so please keep an eye out for her after sunset and be careful when driving.
“Although we’re asking locals for help looking out for Samba, we would urge people from outside the area not to travel in to search for her.
“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.”
Samba arrived in Hampshire after coming from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Ipswich alongside Tango.
The zoo has launched a review to understand how the escape happened.
Anyone who believes they have seen Samba is asked to contact the zoo on a dedicated 24-hour hotline.
