Total Pageviews

Friday, 17 July 2026

Zoo gets new Capybara as search for Samba continues

Regular readers will know that sometimes I like to post something a little different, and I think this post fits that description perfectly.

"A zoo has welcomed a new capybara as teams continue to search for one that escaped earlier this year.

One-year-old Samba has attracted interest around the world after she went on the run in the Hampshire countryside in March.

A male capybara, Ripple, has now been taken in by Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, from Blackpool Zoo.

Staff said Ripple would provide companionship to fellow capybara Tango, whose sister Samba has continually avoided capture, despite multiple sightings.

The zoo said Ripple would be gradually introduced to Tango, allowing them time to develop a bond.

Capybara Tango - photo credit Marwell Zoo

A spokesperson said: "Once they're comfortable together, they'll move into their fantastic new home at the front of the zoo, complete with a large pool and plenty of space to explore, ready for the start of the summer holidays."

They said the new arrival was "first and foremost" about ensuring Tango's continued welfare, but emphasised that finding Samba remained a priority.

"We know many people will be wondering about Samba," they said.

"Welcoming Ripple does not mean we have stopped searching for her. Our efforts to find Samba continue, and her welfare remains a priority for the team."

Samba escaped from Marwell Zoo on 17 March just one day after arriving.

She slipped out of a temporary holding area alongside her sister Tango, who was quickly recaptured.

But for Samba, the "more adventurous" of the pair, the search has continued for several months.

The young rodent has been spotted outside a pub and sunbathing by a river bank.

Most recently, search teams were deployed to the Brambridge area on 6 July following a credible sighting from a fisherman at the end of June.

But despite huge search efforts involving thermal drones and a specialist sniffer dog, Samba is yet to be successfully captured." 
I first wrote about Samba in post here
Above taken from article seen here

Well I hope Ripple settles well with Tango and that Samba is successfully found.

All the best Jan

12 comments:

Norma2 said...

The upscale neighborhood of Nordelta, in the city of Tigre (Buenos Aires province, Argentina), experienced an unusual invasion. It's estimated that around 400 capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), known as 'carpinchos' in Argentina, were happily roaming the streets of the city, wreaking havoc everywhere they went: eating garden plants, rummaging through trash bags, and even causing a few traffic accidents.

https://muyinteresante.okdiario.com/naturaleza/12979.html
I'll leave you a video in case you want to learn more about capybaras, that's what they're called around here:
https://youtu.be/7cGV94q8Zx4?si=a3v8ySH6-E34E0_p

DeniseinVA said...

Oh dear, I hope Samba turns up one day. In the meantime welcome to the new family member. They are adorable animals. Thanks for the share Jan and all the best, Denise

J.P. Alexander said...

Es muy lindo. Te deseo un buen fin de semana. Te mando un beso.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Jan, Tango is cute. I hope they find Samba.

Tom said...

...but will the Capybara find love?

River said...

I do hope Samba is soon safely back where she belongs.

peppylady (Dora) said...

I always thought a Capybara would be great company. The capybara spirit animal represents peaceful coexistence, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of community. Known as nature's ultimate mediator, it reminds you to embrace a calm, "go with the flow" attitude, build strong connections with those around you, and navigate life's stressors with unwavering

aussie aNNie said...

I love your post, that image is really beautiful . x

Elkes Lebensglück said...

I also hope that they find Samba one day and that she is doing well!
It’s lovely that they have a new capybara!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful, interesting story with us, dear Jan.
Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs, Elke

Margaret D said...

Samba still missing well let's hope he is ok wherever he is.

jabblog said...

At least Tango won't be lonely any longer. Samba is enjoying her freedom, apparently.

Iris Flavia said...

Yes, I hope the same... poor Samba ...