Escaped Capybara Spotted by River, as Zoo Urges Caution

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A 9-month-old capybara named Samba escaped from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, England on March 17 and has been spotted sunbathing by the River Itchen near Winchester. The zoo has deployed specialist sniffer dogs and thermal drones to search for Samba, who fled alongside a companion named Tango. Residents are being asked to look around rivers, gardens, ponds, and other waterways, especially at night, but not to approach or attempt to capture Samba, as she could become stressed.

Why it matters

Capybaras are the world's largest rodents, and their escape from a zoo raises concerns about public safety and animal welfare. The search effort highlights the challenges zoos face in containing exotic animals and the need for robust safety protocols.

The details

Samba and Tango escaped from a temporary pen they were being kept in while receiving health assessments after being transported from a farm and wildlife park in Ipswich. Tango was quickly retrieved, but Samba proved more adventurous and has evaded capture for over a week. The zoo has launched a review into how the pair managed to escape.

• Samba and Tango escaped from Marwell Zoo on March 17, 2026.
• Samba was recently spotted sunbathing by the River Itchen near Winchester.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The zoo has launched a review into how Samba and Tango managed to escape, and is urging residents to continue reporting any sightings of Samba to authorities.