Capybara search 'closing in' as traps deployed

Teams searching for an escaped capybara say they are closing in on her location, with humane traps now being used as part of efforts to bring her home.

Nine-month-old Samba has been on the run for more than a week after escaping from Marwell Zoo near Winchester, a day after arriving from Suffolk.

The zoo said recent sightings have been centred around the same area, with thermal drones, camera traps and traps baited with melon being used to lure her out.

They believe she is still nearby, but warn the search area is large and contains waterways where she could be hidden.

Capybaras, the world's largest rodents, are semi‑aquatic mammals native to South America that are often described as looking like oversized guinea pigs.

Some people in the area around the zoo have been generating fake images of Samba in a bizarre range of locations using AI.

They include "photos" of Samba riding a bike and playing a game of bowls while wearing a flat cap.

Lyndsey Swan from Twyford, who is in a WhatsApp group that has been sharing some of the pictures, said they are being used to reflect life in the village.

Samba escaped from a temporary enclosure at Marwell Zoo a day after arriving from Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk with another capybara, Tango.

Tango was quickly found nearby, but Samba remains at large.

She was first spotted in Owslebury shortly after her escape, before later being seen near the River Itchen close to Twyford.

A dog walker who encountered her on a riverbank said she was "rapid" and dived into the water after being startled.

Marwell Zoo said there had been three confirmed sightings backed by photo or video evidence, all within a similar area, suggesting she has remained close by.

A further sighting was reported on Wednesday in the same area, which teams are investigating.

"Our teams continue to follow up legitimate leads regarding the location of Samba, however, we have so far been unable to find and retrieve her," said chief executive Laura Read.

"Our tactics continue to focus on deploying thermal drones, along with camera traps and humane traps aimed at tempting Samba out of hiding with favourite foods including melon."

Zoo bosses say it is important the pair are reunited as capybaras are social animals.

The zoo has urged people not to approach Samba or attempt to catch her, warning this could "spook" the animal and push her out of the area.

Members of the public are asked to send photos or video along with the exact location of any sightings to help confirm them.