Runaway capybara that escaped from Marwell Wildlife Park caught on camera

A missing capybara that escaped from a zoo six months ago has been caught on camera.

One-year-old Samba went on the run from Marwell Zoo, near Winchester in Hampshire, in March, less than a day after arriving, and her escapades have attracted global interest.

She broke out of a temporary enclosure with her sister, Tango, who was quickly recaptured. Zoo staff believe that both Samba and her sister squeezed under a low gate in an off-show area, allowing them to escape.

The zoo’s months-long search for her seen keepers use thermal drones, while experts have searched for footprints and droppings. But despite extensive efforts Samba has not yet returned.

Grainy images of the rodent emerged this month after wildlife cameras were set up following her last sighting in August.

However, experts at the zoo have explained that despite knowing her location, staff can’t simply go and collect her.

“Since confirming that we had new photographic evidence of Samba’s whereabouts in August, our team has continued working tirelessly to bring her safely back to Marwell Zoo,” the zoo said in a statement.

“Recovering Samba is a gradual and carefully managed process. Although we know the area she is in, it isn’t simply a case of being able to approach and collect her. It’s vital that we keep any stress to an absolute minimum, as frightening or disturbing her could cause her to move away from the area and make her safe recovery more difficult.

“Over recent weeks, we have installed additional wildlife cameras, which have provided further photographic evidence of Samba.”

The zoo has established a feeding area to encourage Samba to become familiar with the location she has been spotted in and return regularly. Staff hope to use this as a step to recover her safely.

The zoo said in an update: “As Samba is currently on private land, and to avoid disturbing her or disrupting our ongoing efforts, we are keeping details of her exact location confidential.

“We know many of you are keen to hear how Samba is doing, and we’re grateful for your continued interest and support. Our team remains focused on bringing her home safely, and we’ll share further news when there is a significant update.”

In July, a male capybara named Ripple was introduced alongside Tango.

While Samba, who is considered to be the more adventurous one of the pair, has been reported at several locations including near a pub and summer herself on a riverbank.

Capybaras are the world's largest rodents, weighing up to 80kg and measuring up to 1.7 metres in size, and are native to South America.