Marwell Zoo using drones in hunt for escaped capybara

Tango and Samba at Marwell Zoo <i>(Image: Marwell Zoo)</i>
Tango and Samba at Marwell Zoo (Image: Marwell Zoo)
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Drones are being used by Marwell Zoo as the search continues for an escaped capybara.

Three days after her escape, keepers say they are working around the clock to find the nine-month-old rodent named Samba.

Samba arrived in Hampshire earlier this week from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park with another young female, Tango. The pair escaped from a temporary enclosure the day after arriving.

Tango has since been safely returned, but Samba remains on the loose.

Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo said: “Our teams are continuing to work around the clock to find Samba and have received a large amount of information since yesterday. We’re investigating these sightings and following up on leads.

“At this stage, we still believe Samba remains in the vicinity of the zoo."

One alleged sighting was at Stonehenge, she told the Echo.

Staff at the zoo are asking residents from Owslebury and nearby villages to look out for Samba.

Capybaras love water, and keepers have asked the public to check gardens, ponds and rivers where she may be hiding.

They said she is also likely to travel at night, warning people to keep an eye out after sunset and take care when driving.

Laura added: “Capybaras are gentle and do not pose a risk to people, pets or wildlife. But please don’t approach her 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.

“Thank you to everyone in our local community for your continued support.”

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