Samba the capybara, who escaped from a zoo in Hampshire seven months ago, has been spotted on a wildlife camera alive and well.<\/p>\n
The roaming rodent broke free from her enclosure at Marwell Zoo on 17 March.<\/p>\n
She had arrived at the zoo from Jimmy\u2019s Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk along with her sister, Tango.<\/p>\n
Tango was quickly put back into her enclosure, but Samba has managed to evade capture.<\/p>\n
Thermal drones, sniffer dogs and camera traps have been used<\/a> in regular searches for Samba since her disappearance.<\/p>\n Over recent weeks, staff at Marwell have installed additional wildlife cameras, which have been able to provide further photo evidence of Samba.<\/p>\n Staff have established a feeding area to encourage her to become familiar with the location. Credit: Marwell Zoo<\/p>\n The zoo has confirmed Samba is on private land and in order to avoid disturbing her, her location is being kept confidential. <\/p>\n Staff say although they know the area she is in, they say it isn\u2019t “simply a case of being able to approach and collect her”.<\/p>\n In a statement the animal park said: “We have also been establishing a feeding area, encouraging her to become familiar with the location and return regularly. This is an important step in our plans to safely recover her.<\/p>\n “We know many of you are keen to hear how Samba is doing, and we\u2019re grateful for your continued interest and support. <\/p>\n “Our team remains focused on bringing her home safely, and we\u2019ll share further news when there is a significant update.”<\/p>\n Samba was spotted resting beside the River Itchen shortly after she escaped from Marwell Zoo. Credit: Claudie Paddick<\/p>\n Since she went missing, members of the public have captured video and photo evidence of Samba in the wild.<\/p>\n It includes video footage of Samba resting on a bank of the River Itchen, near Winchester, which was shared by a dog walker.<\/p>\n Keepers say the search is “challenging” due to the size of the area and Samba\u2019s natural instincts to stay hidden.<\/p>\n