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A capybara that escaped from a zoo has been spotted resting in the sunshine near a river.
The sighting came after sniffer dogs were deployed in the area around Marwell Zoo, Hants – where nine-month old Samba escaped on March 17.
Samba has now been spotted by Claudie Paddick on the side of the River Itchen, near Winchester, at around 11:30am.
However her dog frightened Samba and she jumped in the water and swam off.
Capybaras are the worlds largest rodents, weighing up to 80kg and measuring up to 1.7 metres in size, and are native to South America.
In its latest update, Marwell Zoo said the search, which is into its sixth day, is still ongoing and a specialist dog unit has been following her scent.
They said they have narrowed the search area – with previous reports coming in from as far afield as Stonehenge – 35 miles away.
Residents who might happen upon the rodent are urged to contact the zoo so she can be safely recovered.
A Marwell Zoo spokesperson said: “This has led us to a reduced search area, not far from where she was originally sighted, which has meant we could better deploy thermal drones to try and locate her.
“So far we have been unsuccessful in finding her, but as the dogs have picked up her scent on both days, we are keeping everything crossed we can pinpoint her location as soon as possible.
“The Marwell team have been on foot searching where the dogs have highlighted, and we remain determined to do everything we can to bring Samba home safely.
“Our thanks once again to everyone continuing to look for Samba.”
Sniffer dogs were deployed to search for the missing capybara (Andrew Croft/Solent News)
Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo, previously said: “Tango didn’t stray too far, hiding in bushes in the zoo, and is now safely returned.
“Samba was more adventurous, and our specialist teams have been looking for her relentlessly since then.
“Capybaras love water so please check gardens, ponds, rivers and local water environments where she may be hiding. She is also more likely to travel at night so please keep an eye out for her after sunset and be careful when driving.
“Although we’re asking locals for help looking out for Samba, we would urge people from outside the area not to travel in to search for her.
“Please don’t approach Samba or disturb the area around her as she may get stressed. It’s very important that only her keepers and the team from Marwell approach her.
“Although we’re asking locals for help looking out for Samba, we would urge people from outside the area not to travel in to search for her.”
Samba arrived in Hampshire on Monday after coming from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Ipswich alongside Tango.
The zoo has asked residents in surrounding areas to check gardens, ponds, and rivers, as these are places where Samba may be hiding.
They have launched a review to understand how the escape happened.
Anyone who believes they have seen Samba is asked to contact the zoo on a dedicated 24-hour hotline at 07436 167401.
Callers are asked to send a photo and either a Google Maps pin or What3Words location to assist the search team.