Hunt for capybara named Samba running wild after escaping Marwell Zoo in Hampshire

One of the world’s largest rodents could be running around your feet as you read this.

Capybara Samba and Tango were moved to Marwell Zoo in Hampshire from Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park on Monday.

But just a day later, the pair escaped their temporary home – despite having a pond ‘made for capybara life’ in their future enclosure.

While her escape partner, fellow capybara Tango, was found rummaging around nearby bushes, Samba remains on the lam.

The furry fugitive was spotted on Wednesday night in Owlslebury, a village two miles north of the zoo.

A missing capybara poster shared by the zoo says Samba is ‘not dangerous but could be stressed’.

Marwell Wildlife, which runs the zoo, has asked people to call if they spot the escaped capybara and to send her location.

Police are aware of Samba’s grand escape, it added.

The charity said on Facebook: ‘As always, animal welfare is our highest priority, and our team are working hard to bring Samba back as quickly and safely as possible.

‘Capybaras are intelligent, gentle animals, with a taste for adventure. They do not pose a risk to the public, we strongly advise against approaching Samba or disturbing any area she may be hiding, to prevent causing her stress.

‘Under no circumstances should a member of the public try to capture her by themselves.’

Marwell Wildlife added yesterday that teams are combing the area overnight for Samba, but have yet to post an update.

Capybaras are plump, mellow, dog-sized rodents native to South America.

These cuddly rodents spend their days munching on grass and water plants growing around bodies of water. They can grow up to four feet long.

Capybaras have become internet stars in recent years for their cuteness – there are even cafes in Japan where people pay to feed them carrots.

Marwell Wildlife said on Monday that the two female capybara would live in a private habitat area while they ‘complete their quarantine and get used to their new surroundings’

‘Once they’ve settled in, they’ll move into their new habitat – which we’re currently finishing, including a pond for them to enjoy.’

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