Samba the capybara, who escaped from a zoo in Hampshire seven months ago, has been spotted on a wildlife camera alive and well.
The roaming rodent broke free from her enclosure at Marwell Zoo on 17 March.
She had arrived at the zoo from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk along with her sister, Tango.
Tango was quickly put back into her enclosure, but Samba has managed to evade capture.
Thermal drones, sniffer dogs and camera traps have been used in regular searches for Samba since her disappearance.
Over recent weeks, staff at Marwell have installed additional wildlife cameras, which have been able to provide further photo evidence of Samba.
Staff have established a feeding area to encourage her to become familiar with the location. Credit: Marwell Zoo
The zoo has confirmed Samba is on private land and in order to avoid disturbing her, her location is being kept confidential.
Staff say although they know the area she is in, they say it isn’t “simply a case of being able to approach and collect her”.
In a statement the animal park said: “We have also been establishing a feeding area, encouraging her to become familiar with the location and return regularly. This is an important step in our plans to safely recover her.
“We know many of you are keen to hear how Samba is doing, and we’re grateful for your continued interest and support.
“Our team remains focused on bringing her home safely, and we’ll share further news when there is a significant update.”
Samba was spotted resting beside the River Itchen shortly after she escaped from Marwell Zoo. Credit: Claudie Paddick
Since she went missing, members of the public have captured video and photo evidence of Samba in the wild.
It includes video footage of Samba resting on a bank of the River Itchen, near Winchester, which was shared by a dog walker.
Keepers say the search is “challenging” due to the size of the area and Samba’s natural instincts to stay hidden.
In July, Marwell welcomed the arrival of a seven-year-old capybara, in the wake of Samba’s disappearance.
The zoo said it was “delighted” to begin caring for the animal, a male named Ripple, after his transfer from Blackpool Zoo.
It had arranged for Ripple’s transfer to ensure Tango’s “continued welfare by providing her with appropriate companionship”.
At the time a park spokesperson reassured residents that the search for Samba remained a priority.
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