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

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

On Thursday, chief executive Laura Read said teams were focusing their search along waterways between Twyford and Allbrook.

“We really know that that’s ideal habitat for her,” she said.

“It’s calm, it’s quiet, it’s got the water, it’s got plenty of food for her.”