Where on earth is Samba? How UK’s beloved escaped capybara has evaded capture for 6 MONTHS dodging drones & sniffer dogs

SEARCH teams have scoured rivers, sent up thermal-imaging drones and called in sniffer dogs – but despite their best efforts, the hunt for the UK’s most infamous escapee has now entered its sixth month. There have been more than 150 reported sightings of the four-legged fugitive – whose disappearance has made headlines across the globe. Samba, a one-year-old capybara, vanished from Marwell Zoo on March 17 Credit: Marwell Zoo Samba, a one-year-old capybara, vanished from Marwell Zoo on March 17. Her disappearance has seen her earn celebrity status and inspire an entirely new genre of internet memes. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! These include hilarious AI-generated pictures of Samba riding bikes, eating Nando’s, attending football matches and travelling on planes. In a Houdini-esque manoeuvre, she broke out through a small gap in her temporary enclosure alongside her sister, Tango. Marwell Zoo keepers out with nets in the search for Samba in the days after she vanished Credit: Solent A dog walker spotted her relaxing on the banks of the River Itchen on March 22 Credit: Solent But while Tango bottled the escape, Samba managed to evade keepers, before setting off into the Hampshire countryside. Punters at a pub quiz in nearby Owslebury couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw the world’s largest rodent saunter past the following day. And by the end of the first week, there were numerous sightings of Samba, with search teams supported by drones and sniffer dogs. A dog walker spotted her relaxing on the banks of the River Itchen in the Colden Common area, a couple of miles from the popular zoo. Most read in The Sun Her escape has inspired a host of internet memes Credit: FACEBOOK/Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park Hilarious AI-generated pictures showed Samba eating Nando’s Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Samba could be seen showing her support at nearby AFC Totton in other memes Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Samba seekers can keep up to date with the latest on the Marwell Zoo website Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Several seconds of mobile phone footage shows Samba sunning herself, before the elusive semi-aquatic herbivore plunges into the water. Capybaras are capable of holding their breath for up to five minutes and can reach speeds of roughly 20mph on foot. Marwell Wildlife chief executive Laura Read is said to have spotted the rodent in dense foliage less than 24 hours later. Camera traps were then installed in the Twyford area, roughly three miles from Samba’s home. This is believed to be the first sighting of Samba in Owslebury – the day after the escape Credit: Solent Marwell confirmed it had received some 150 potential sightings of the runaway rodent Credit: Solent The Sun joined the search for Samba several days later, sending reporter Eleanor, who had been armed with binoculars and a large net. But even we couldn’t find the South American critter, which have been known to grow to more than 5ft and weigh 12st. Zoo spokeswoman Sarah Berry said at the time: “The biggest risks she faces are people and roads. “She has plenty of fresh water, vegetation to eat and places to find shelter and rest. Sun reporter Eleanor on the trail Credit: Chris Eades John Rhyder – wildlife tracker – joins the search for Samba Credit: Chris Eades “She would be fine until next winter, but we are obviously doing everything we can to retrieve her as soon as possible.” Another possible sighting on the river sparked excitement on April 23, but it was not confirmed to be Samba. A fortnight later, another camera trap was installed along Highbridge Road, which stretches over the body of water. By May, Marwell confirmed it had received some 150 potential sightings of the runaway rodent -most of which turned out to be muntjac deer. The zoo later sent out dozens of staff to look for footprints and droppings in the Brambridge area after a number of alleged sightings in June. In July, Ripple – a seven-year-old capybara – arrived at Marwell, sending shockwaves across the country. The plant-munching creature had been transferred from Blackpool Zoo. But Marwell insisted Ripple was not a replacement for Samba – and confirmed the search was still ongoing. And, just last month, photographic evidence of Samba in the wild was sent to keepers. The lead was described as “very promising”. Samba seekers can keep up to date with the latest on the Marwell Zoo website. An appeal on the page reads: “Please do keep a watch out when walking or driving in the local area. “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.” Comment now