Marwell Zoo is currently facing a challenging situation as they search for Samba, a runaway capybara who has roamed approximately 2 miles from the zoo. Samba, just 9 months old, escaped from a temporary holding area after arriving from Suffolk. Laura Read, a spokesperson for the zoo, emphasized the importance of reuniting Samba with her sister Tango, who was found nearby. “They do need to be back together. They are social animals and live in groups, so it’s really important we reunite them,” she stated.
In brighter news, Marwell Zoo is celebrating the birth of a baby white rhino, born on March 15, coinciding with Mother’s Day. The calf’s mother, Zahra, joined the zoo in 2021 and is the youngest of the zoo’s four white rhinos. Zahra’s pregnancy lasted an impressive 16 months, and the calf’s father, Jabari, arrived from Dublin in 2015.
The birth of this calf is part of the European Ex Situ breeding programme, which aims to support the conservation of endangered species. This initiative highlights the zoo’s commitment to wildlife preservation and education.
In a heartwarming visit, Peggy Lill from Colten Care’s Avon Reach care home recently enjoyed a day at Marwell Zoo, where she was particularly excited to see the meerkats. Peggy has a cherished collection of meerkat ornaments gifted by her granddaughter. During her visit, she also had the opportunity to see giraffes, rhinos, and red pandas, describing the experience as “an absolutely wonderful day that I’ll always treasure,” according to Ruth Wildman.
As the community rallies around the zoo during these events, the search for Samba continues, and updates are eagerly awaited. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the ongoing efforts to locate the young capybara, but the zoo remains hopeful for a positive outcome.
