Sniffer Dogs Deployed in Search for Escaped Capybara Samba at Hampshire Zoo
A massive search operation is underway for a capybara named Samba, who remains on the loose after escaping from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire. The giant rodent, weighing up to 80kg and measuring 1.7 metres, burst out of her temporary enclosure just one day after arriving at the zoo from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Ipswich. Her companion, Tango, also escaped but was quickly recovered from nearby bushes, while Samba has evaded capture for six days since her escape on March 16.
Specialist Dog Unit and Thermal Drones Join the Hunt
In its latest update, Marwell Zoo confirmed that the search is ongoing, with a specialist dog unit following Samba’s scent. The zoo has narrowed the search area after previous reports placed the capybara as far as Stoneham, 35 miles away. A spokesperson stated, “This has led us to a reduced search area, not far from where she was originally sighted, which has meant we could better deploy thermal drones to try and locate her.” Despite these efforts, Samba remains at large, though the dogs have picked up her scent on multiple days, raising hopes for a swift recovery.
Public Urged to Check Water Sources and Stay Vigilant
Capybaras, native to South America, are known for their love of water, leading the zoo to urge residents in surrounding areas to check gardens, ponds, rivers, and other water environments where Samba might be hiding. Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo, explained, “Tango didn’t stray too far, hiding in bushes in the zoo, and is now safely returned. Samba was more adventurous, and our specialist teams have been looking for her relentlessly since then.” Locals are also advised to keep an eye out after sunset, as capybaras are more likely to travel at night, and to exercise caution while driving.
Possible Sighting Near River Itchen
A recent sighting was reported near a pub in neighbouring Owslebury, where Claudie Paddick spotted Samba resting on the banks of the River Itchen. Paddick, a family lawyer, was walking her dogs when her black labrador Growler began barking at the rodent. She described the moment, saying, “It then jumped in the river and it didn’t come back out, and I was like, what the hell is that? A capybara is something I have never seen or even heard of before, but now I’m a bit of an expert.” Around 15 people gathered at the scene, using heat-seeking technology in an attempt to end the search, but Samba swam away before she could be captured.
The zoo continues to ask anyone who spots Samba to contact them immediately to ensure her safe recovery. With the search now in its sixth day, authorities remain hopeful that the combined efforts of sniffer dogs, drones, and public vigilance will soon lead to Samba’s return.
