Update on Samba the capybara
May 7, 2026
Since Samba’s escape back in March, we’ve received several possible sightings from members of the public. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has taken the time to contact us and share information. While each report has been carefully investigated, we have not yet been able to confirm her location.
Our teams continue to carry out regular searches, focusing on areas where Samba is most likely to be, particularly along waterways and in dense vegetation. We are still deploying thermal drone technology and camera traps to support this work.
We have faced some challenges, unfortunately, last month two camera traps were stolen, impacting our ability to monitor key locations. We also believe that some reported sightings were muntjac deer, which are found locally, and can be easily mistaken for Samba due to her similar size and colouring.
Will Walker, Head of Animals and Plants at Marwell Wildlife said:
“Our last confirmed sighting of Samba, supported by photographic evidence, was in the Colden Common area on Sunday 22nd March 2026. 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.
“On Thursday 23rd April, we received new information from a river bailiff who reported seeing an animal feeding on vegetation along the riverbank. 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 behaviour they had observed from other species they’ve studied, so we are hopeful this may have been Samba.”
“On the evening of Wednesday 6th May, we received a report of a possible sighting of Samba along Highbridge Road. 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.”
The local area provides plenty of natural vegetation and habitat for a capybara, allowing Samba to find both food and shelter easily. This also means she is likely to stay well hidden, making the search more challenging. Despite this, our teams remain fully committed to the search and to bringing her home safely.
Tango 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.
Thank you for your continued support and patience. We are working hard to bring Samba home and will continue to update as and when we have more information.
If you believe you may have seen Samba, please:
• Take a photo
• Send it to 07436 116740
• Include the What3Words or Google Maps location
