'I just saw this furry brown bottom disappear!' In search of Samba
Six months ago, Samba made a brave, unprecedented escape from Marwell zoo. Her life on the lam continues today. We join the team hunting desperately to find her in the Hampshire countryside
TL;DR
- Samba the capybara escaped from Marwell zoo six months ago and remains at large.
- Her sister, Tango, escaped with her but was captured the following day.
- The escape is suspected to have occurred through a small gap under a gate.
- An intensive search involving zoo staff, drones, camera traps, and public appeals has been conducted.
- Recent camera trap footage confirmed Samba is alive, healthy, and located two to three miles from the zoo.
- Marwell zoo is implementing a strategy to lure Samba back using scent and food, while continuing to monitor her with camera traps.
- Zoo officials defend their animal welfare record and emphasize that the escape was an unforeseen event.
- The zoo aims to use Samba's story to highlight conservation efforts for capybaras' native habitats.
- The approaching winter poses a potential risk to Samba's welfare due to harsh weather conditions.