Marwell Zoo staff have intensified search operations in Brambridge, near Winchester, following several credible weekend sightings of an 11-month-old capybara named Samba.
Samba escaped her enclosure on March 17 and has been missing for ten weeks.
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More than 20 zoo team members are conducting ground searches and deploying tracking technology within a narrowed three-mile radius from the Hampshire-based conservation charity.
Search Efforts and Community Support
The search relies on both community reports and advanced wildlife surveillance tools to track the South American rodent.
“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,” said a spokesperson for Marwell Zoo.
The search team has been analyzing the local terrain for physical clues left behind by the animal.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
Despite the lack of direct contact, the zoo management expresses optimism regarding the updated search perimeter.
“However, the recent sightings have helped us significantly narrow down the search area, and we remain hopeful,” the spokesperson said.
The facility emphasizes that the well-being of the missing rodent is the guiding force behind the ongoing recovery operation.
“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,” the spokesperson stated.
The institution notes that public involvement has been essential throughout the multi-week search process.
“We're incredibly grateful for the continued support and sightings reported by our local community, which remain invaluable to the search efforts,” the spokesperson added.
Officials revealed that Samba and her sister, Tango, initially broke out of an off-show area by squeezing beneath a low gate, though Tango was immediately captured nearby.
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“Tango didn’t stray too far, hiding in bushes in the zoo, and is now safely returned,” said Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo.
The executive explained that the two animals react differently to external environments, requiring specific monitoring protocols.
“Samba was more adventurous, and our specialist teams have been looking for her relentlessly since then,” Read said.
Local residents are advised to look out for the large rodent around aquatic environments, particularly during evening hours.
“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,” Read advised.
Management requests that non-residents refrain from traveling to the area to prevent complicating the official recovery efforts.
“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,” Read said.
The public is strictly warned against attempting to handle or contain the animal independently to avoid triggering a stress response.
“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,” Read added.
Both capybaras had recently transferred to the Hampshire facility from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Ipswich before the incident occurred.
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Marwell Zoo has launched an internal review to investigate the vulnerabilities in the enclosure gating system and has set up a 24-hour hotline for direct public sightings.
