New pictures taken this month show samba capybara Samba still alive more than six months after she escaped from Marwell Zoo on 17 March. The one-year-old capybara got out less than a day after arriving, and the zoo is still trying to bring her back safely.
Marwell Zoo in Hampshire
Marwell Zoo said the latest images add to the record of sightings that began after Samba was last seen in August. Wildlife cameras were set up after that sighting, and the zoo said additional cameras have since produced further photographic evidence of Samba.
Staff have also established a feeding area to encourage Samba to become familiar with the location and return regularly. That gives the zoo a practical way to keep watch without forcing a direct approach that could push her farther away.
Samba and Tango in July
Samba escaped from a temporary enclosure she shared with her sister, Tango. Tango was quickly recaptured after the escape, while Samba stayed on the run and was described by the zoo as the more adventurous of the pair. Keepers had introduced a male capybara named Ripple alongside Tango in July.
The latest evidence came from private land, but the exact location is being kept confidential. Marwell Zoo said, “Since confirming that we had new photographic evidence of Samba's whereabouts in August, our team has continued working tirelessly to bring her safely back to Marwell Zoo.”
Private land near Winchester
The zoo also said, “Recovering Samba is a gradual and carefully managed process. Although we know the area she is in, it isn't simply a case of being able to approach and collect her.” It added, “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.”
For now, the story has shifted from a missing-animal hunt to a slow recovery operation. Marwell Zoo said, “Over recent weeks, we have installed additional wildlife cameras, which have provided further photographic evidence of Samba,” and added, “This is an important step in our plans to safely recover her.”
