Search teams are combing water meadows near Twyford after fugitive capybara Samba was spotted in the area.
Marwell Zoo said on Sunday afternoon that it had received a video of the 9-month-old in a waterway between Twyford and the Brambridge Garden centre, around three miles from the wildlife park.
In a statement, Marwell Zoo said: “Unfortunately, we have not retrieved Samba yet
“Yesterday we did have a positive sighting and video from a family on a farm, and we responded immediately with our team searching the area.
“We were unsuccessful and have had thermal drones out again last night and this morning
“The search continues.”
On Sunday, Claudie Paddick spotted the capybara by the side of the River Itchen, near Winchester.
Samba went missing on Tuesday after she escaped the temporary enclosure she shared with her sister Tango.
Tango was re-captured within the zoo grounds, but Samba has evaded capture, despite sightings outside the Ship Inn in Owslebury on Thursday.
Since then, sniffer dogs and drone operators have been out trying to track the missing rodent, who is the size of a small badger.
Capybaras are intelligent, gentle animals, which do not pose a risk to the public, according to the zoo.
They are herbivores, originating from South America, akin to a giant guinea pig.
They like hiding in long grass and water, and are more active at night, which makes the search more problematic.
In a post on their Facebook page, the zoo said:
“Update 13:03pm – our team has received a video of Samba in the waterway between Twyford and Brambridge Garden Centre. We have acted immediately, and teams are now in the area searching for her.
“We urgently need your help as we continue to investigate. If you are nearby and believe you’ve seen Samba, please send a photo and exact location to 07436 167401.
“Please do not approach Samba.
“Thank you for your continued support with this ongoing situation, we hope to bring Samba home safely very soon.”
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