A capybara is on the run after breaking free from a zoo in Hampshire.
The nine-month-old capybara Samba broke out of its temporary enclosure on Tuesday at Marwell Zoo, just a day after being relocated from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Ipswich.
A fellow capybara, named Tango, was also part of the getaway, but was found shortly after in the bushes near the zoo.
Hailing from South America, capybaras are the world’s largest rodents and can grow to more than 1.7m in length, weighing as much as 80kg.
The hunt for Samba continues, though a possible sighting was reported at a pub near Owslebury.
It is understood that the rodents love water, so Samba could be hiding in local garden ponds or rivers. They’re also more likely to be spotted at night.
Marwell Zoo said in a post on Facebook: “Capybaras are lovely, intelligent animals with a taste for adventure. They are gentle and do not pose any risk to people, pets or wildlife.”
The post added: “Under no circumstances should a member of the public try to capture her by themselves.”
Anyone who has spotted the rodent is urged to contact the zoo on a dedicated 24-hour hotline 07436 167401 and to send a photo alongside a location pin or what3words location.
