Capybara on the loose after zoo escape in Englandhttps://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/03/20/Marwell-Zoo-capybara-escape-Samba/5011774019592/ 🔗Ben Hooper (20 March 2026)
March 20 (UPI) -- A zoo in England is asking nearby residents to report any sightings of a capybara that escaped from the facility just one day after arriving.
The Marwell Zoo in Winchester, Hampshire, said female capybaras Samba and Tango arrived at the facility Monday and both escaped Tuesday from their temporary holding area.
Tango was quickly located nearby, but Samba "was more adventurous," the zoo said on social media.
The zoo said Samba was spotted Wednesday night in Owslebury, a nearby village, but zoo personnel were unable to capture her.
Capybaras, native to South America, are the world's largest rodents.
"Capybaras are intelligent gentle animals, with a taste for adventure. They do not pose a risk to the public, however we strongly advise against approaching Samba or disturbing any area she may be hiding, to prevent causing her stress. Under no circumstances should a member of the public try to capture her by themselves.," zoo officials wrote.================================================================================================
Capybaras are the world's largest rodents, not fish, but they are technically classified as "fish" by the Vatican for culinary purposes during Lent. Due to their semi-aquatic nature and webbed feet, 18th-century Venezuelan clergymen petitioned for this status, allowing them to eat the meat during meat-free fasting periods
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