Capybara Named Samba Remains at Large Six Months After Zoo Escape

Samba the capybara is alive and well, and still on the run, more than six months after escaping from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, her keepers have revealed. The rodent and her sister, Tango, vanished from their enclosure on March 17 while being moved to temporary accommodation. Tango was found shortly after, but Samba remained at large, prompting a months-long search operation.

Wildlife cameras installed on private land have recently provided new photographic evidence of Samba's whereabouts, zoo officials confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. Keepers are now focused on a careful and gradual process to bring her home safely, aiming to minimize any stress that could cause her to move away.

"Although we know the area she is in, it isn’t simply a case of being able to approach and collect her," the zoo stated. "It’s vital that we keep any stress to an absolute minimum, as frightening or disturbing her could cause her to move away from the area and make her safe recovery more difficult."

Over the past few weeks, additional wildlife cameras have been installed, and a feeding area has been established to encourage Samba to become familiar with the location and return regularly. This is considered an important step in their recovery plan.

As Samba is currently on private land, and to avoid disturbing her or disrupting ongoing efforts, the zoo is keeping details of her exact location confidential. They expressed gratitude for the public's continued interest and support and promised to share further news when there is a significant update.

Samba's disappearance has attracted widespread attention, with anecdotal public sightings reported in recent months. Online, a running joke has emerged, with social media users posting AI-generated images of Samba engaging in various human-like activities.

Animal experts have suggested that a capybara could potentially survive in the UK, given abundant food sources like grass and plants along riverbanks and the absence of natural predators. However, risks to Samba could include traffic and the potential struggle to reach food sources during freezing winter temperatures. As social creatures, solitary capybaras can also be prone to stress and depression.