Marwell Zoo continues search for escaped capybara Samba

A capybara named Samba has remained at large for six months after escaping from Marwell Wildlife in Winchester, England. The escape occurred on March 17, just one day after Samba and her sister, Tango, were relocated to the zoo's quarantine habitat.

While Tango was quickly recaptured, Samba escaped into the marshy wetlands of the River Itchen and the surrounding Hampshire countryside. Despite extensive search efforts involving specialist dog squads, thermal imaging drones, and local farmers, the rodent has not been found.

Zoo officials believe the animals may have squeezed through a small gap in a gate. While Samba has been sighted near roads and local pubs, the primary concern for zookeepers is the risk of traffic accidents. Although there are no natural predators for a capybara of her size in the region, officials remain concerned about her welfare as a highly social animal living in isolation.