Samba Update
Stay up to date with all the latest news about Samba the capybara
On Monday 16 March, we welcomed two capybara to Marwell. While their new habitat was being completed and routine health checks were carried out, they were being cared for in a temporary holding area. Samba and Tango had other ideas, however, and managed to escape from their new home…
While Tango was quickly retrieved, Samba was more adventurous and our team are still working hard to bring her back home.
Help us look for Samba
Please do keep a watch out when walking or driving in the local area and check ponds or local waterways as capybaras love to spend time in water. Samba is likely to be more mobile at night but may also be seen sunbathing on the banks of the river on sunny days.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who is helping us search for Samba. If you believe you may have seen her, please take a photo, send it to 07436 167401 and include the What3Words or Google Maps location.
Latest Updates & Timeline of Events
Tuesday 19 May:
We acquire a further 10 camera traps to help us increase our coverage, and the team place them in potential search areas where there’s little human presence. The team continue to investigate calls from the public, but recent reports are considered unlikely to be Samba due to habitat or location.
Friday 8 May:
Our animal teams continue to carry out thorough searches every day and have now followed up on more than 150 potential sightings, the vast majority of which have turned out to be muntjac deer.
Wednesday 6 May:
We receive a possible sighting of Samba along Highbridge road. The team head to the area shortly after the report is received, but unfortunately there’s no sign of her. A camera trap is installed to monitor further activity.
Friday 24 April:
Following yesterday’s reports, camera traps are installed in the area north of Twyford.
Thursday 23 April:
A river bailiff reports seeing an animal feeding on vegetation along the riverbank. The bite marks and height of the grazed plans are consistent with capybara feeding, so we are hopeful that this was Samba.
Friday 10 April:
Camera traps are installed in the Highbridge area in response to reports of potential sightings.
Monday 23 March
Marwell Wildlife CEO Laura Read spots Samba in a thicket on the River Itchen, but the dense undergrowth helps Samba elude the team. Camera traps are placed around the Twyford area to monitor activity.
Sunday 22 March:
We receive a video of Samba, who is spotted by a dogwalker on the banks of the River Itchen in the Colden Common area.
Wednesday 18 March:
Tango is quickly retrieved within the zoo parkland, but Samba has been more adventurous and is spotted in the local village of Owslebury.
Tuesday 17 March:
Samba and Tango escape their temporary holding area into the zoo grounds.
Monday 16 March:
Samba and Tango arrive at Marwell Zoo from Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park.
FAQs
Capybaras are large, sandy brown rodents with a sturdy body, short legs, and a broad, square-shaped head. They have small ears and a blunt nose.
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents. However, Samba is only a young capybara so is roughly similar in size to a medium-sized dog, such as a cocker spaniel.
From a distance, a capybara’s size and colouring may resemble a muntjac deer.
However, there are some differences to look out for: capybaras have a broad, square-shaped head, whereas muntjac deer have a more pointed face. A capybara’s body is also wider and more rounded, and their legs are shorter and thicker in comparison, giving them a distinctly sturdier appearance.
Capybara:
Muntjac:
You can keep an eye out for signs of Samba’s presence, including poo, chew marks and webbed footprints.
Capybara poo:
Capybara footprint:
Capybara chew marks:
Samba managed to escaped from her temporary habitat within the zoo grounds. Whilst her sister, Tango, didn’t stray too far and was able to be quickly retrieved, Samba was more adventurous and ventured out of the zoo perimeter.
While it may seem helpful, introducing another animal can sometimes add stress or unpredictability to the situation. Our priority is to keep all animals calm and safe, so we are using the most appropriate and least disruptive methods to recover Samba.
The surrounding areas contain dense vegetation and access to water, which are environments that capybaras naturally prefer. Capybaras can also stay underwater for prolonged periods of time. These conditions can make searching more challenging.
Yes, this is an ongoing effort. Our team is continuing to monitor the area closely and adapt search methods as needed.
Although it may seem helpful to have lots of people involved, a quieter environment is actually safer and less stressful for the animal. Too much activity can make the capybara more likely to move away or hide.
Our expert animal teams are using a variety of techniques, including on-the-ground searches by trained staff, searching with thermal imaging drones, using tracker dogs and leaving out strategically placed camera traps. Once the search area is reduced in size we will also place humane badger traps with Tango’s bedding in and smelly enticing fruit, such as melon and banana, to encourage her out of hiding. We regularly review and adapt our methods as we continue our search.
Capybaras are generally gentle and do not pose a threat to people. However, as with any animal, they may become defensive if frightened. We advise the public not to approach.
Capybaras are resilient animals. Samba has access to food, water and will have no natural predators. We are doing everything possible to ensure Samba is located and returned safely.
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.
If you believe you may have seen Samba, please:
- Take a photo
- Send it to 07436 116740
- Include the What3Words or Google Maps location
