The search for a capybara, missing from a Hampshire zoo for more than three weeks, has been described as “challenging” by keepers.
Samba escaped from a temporary holding enclosure at Marwell Zoo near Winchester on Tuesday 17th March.
Her sister, Tango, also ran off but keepers were quickly able to locate and re-capture her.
The pair had recently arrived from Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk.
Since then, the team has used specialist tracking dogs, drones and camera traps to try and spot Samba but with no luck so far.
Video footage of Samba resting on a bank of the River Itchen, near Winchester, was shared two weeks ago 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.
A statement released by Marwell Zoo has assured people that they’re “not giving up” and “remain focused” on bringing Samba home.
It said: “Since our last post, we’ve received a number of reported sightings across the surrounding areas.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch. Unfortunately, despite thorough follow-ups on these reports, none have resulted in a confirmed sighting of Samba.
“Our teams remain fully committed and continue to carry out extensive searches both day and night.
“We are still using specialist tracking dogs, thermal drone technology, and camera traps in key areas where Samba is most likely to travel, particularly along waterways and dense vegetation.”
The zoo has thanked the public for their ongoing support as well as staff for “working tirelessly” to help look for the capybara.
Anyone who thinks they might have seen Samba are being urged to take a photo and send it to 07436 167401, including the What3Words or Google Maps location.
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