Samba, a one-year-old capybara from Marwell Zoo near Winchester, has been evading capture since March.

She and her sister, Tango, escaped from the zoo on March 17 through a gap in a temporary enclosure.

While Tango was quickly recaptured, Samba managed to stay out of the keepers’ grasp.

Her story has attracted global attention and led to a wave of AI-generated memes featuring the adventurous rodent in various scenarios.

Despite extensive efforts, including the use of thermal-imaging drones, a specialist sniffer dog, and the expertise of the University of Southampton, Samba remains missing.

The last confirmed sighting was in mid-August when a member of the public managed to photograph her.

A spokesperson for Marwell Zoo previously told the Daily Echo: “We can share with you that the teams are acting on a very promising lead following photographic evidence of Samba, which was sent in by a member of the public this week.”

She has been spotted in various locations, including near The Ship Inn in Owslebury and along the River Itchen, where she was seen sunbathing on a riverbank on March 22.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic animals, spending much of their time in and around water.

The species can reach running speeds of about 20mph and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes, making her a challenging target for search teams.

The search for Samba has also involved the local community, with people checking gardens, ponds, pools, and outbuildings.

Pupils at Twyford Primary School contributed to the search by writing poems, designing posters, and creating artwork.

Samba’s tale has reached far beyond Hampshire, with news outlets worldwide picking up the story of the runaway capybara.

The story has also sparked a trend on social media, with AI-generated memes of Samba in various scenarios.

Despite the widespread attention and numerous suspected sightings, Samba remains missing.

Marwell Zoo is still appealing for anyone who spots Samba to take a picture and share it, along with the exact location, to help with efforts to track her down.