May 8 (UPI) — The British zoo where a capybara escaped in March said there have been multiple unconfirmed recent sightings — as well as some tell-tale bite marks.
Winchester’s Marwell Zoo, which revealed in March that a capybara named Samba escaped just 24 hours after arriving at the facility, said the last confirmed sighting of the South American rodent was on March 22.
“Since then, we’ve received many possible sightings, but without photos or video, it has been difficult to confirm whether these reports are Samba or muntjac deer which can look very similar,” Will Walker, the zoo’s head of animals and plants, said in an update on the search.
Walker said there was a likely sighting on April 23.
“We received new information from a river bailiff who reported seeing an animal feeding on vegetation along the riverbank,” Walker said. “Due to the dense foliage, the animal itself was not visible, but the bite marks and the height of the grazed plants were consistent with capybara feeding. The bailiff noted that this was not behavior they had observed from other species they’ve studied, so we are hopeful this may have been Samba.”
The most recent possible sighting was reported along Highbridge Road on Wednesday.
“Our team headed out to the area shortly afterwards, however there was unfortunately no sign of her. A camera trap has now been installed in the area to help monitor any further activity,” Walker said.
The zoo is asking local residents to continue keeping watch for Samba and reporting any sightings.
Officials said the area is rife with edible vegetation and potential shelter to allow Samba to thrive on the loose.
“Tango, Samba’s sister continues to do well and remains in her private habitat while work is completed on her new home at the front of the park. She has been enjoying the warmer weather, often seen relaxing in the sun and napping in her hay,” the zoo said.
