A capybara has made a great escape from a zoo only 24 hours after arriving.
Marwell Zoo, in Winchester is currently looking for Samba the capybara, who arrived at the zoo with Tango from Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park.
The pair only arrived at the zoo earlier this week, before they both escaped their temporary enclosure the day after their arrival.
Tango was found shortly after, hiding in the bushes in the zoo, with her now being returned to the enclosure.
Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo said: "Tango didn’t stray too far, hiding in bushes in the zoo, and is now safely returned.
"Samba was more adventurous, and our specialist teams have been looking for her relentlessly since then."
The zoo has launched a search for Samba and is urging residents in neighbouring villages, including Owslebury, to stay alert.
A possible sighting was reported last night near The Ship Inn pub in Owslebury, just over a mile from the zoo.
The CEO added: "Capybaras love water so please check gardens, ponds, rivers and local water environments where she may be hiding. She is also more likely to travel at night so please keep an eye out for her after sunset and be careful when driving.
"Although we’re asking locals for help looking out for Samba, we would urge people from outside the area not to travel in to search for her.
"Please don’t approach Samba or disturb the area around her as she may get stressed. It’s very important that only her keepers and the team from Marwell approach her."
Anyone who believes they have seen Samba is urged to contact the zoo on a dedicated 24-hour hotline at 07436 167401.
Callers are asked to send a photo and either a Google Maps pin or What3Words location to assist the search team.
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