The Great Escape
A capybara named Cinnamon has made headlines after escaping from her enclosure at Hoo Zoo in Telford, Shropshire. The incident occurred last Friday when the gates were opened for grass cutting. Despite the zoo’s swift response, Cinnamon remains at large in the wild.
A Glimmer of Hope
Will Dorrell from the zoo reported that Cinnamon was spotted overnight by a drone, approximately 200 meters (650 feet) from her enclosure. While this sighting offered some hope, Dorrell emphasized that finding her and capturing her are two distinct challenges. “Last night we went out with a search party and put a drone up and we actually got a very good image of her. We are very optimistic now we can hopefully entice her back or catch her,” he said.
Challenges in Recapture
The zoo team made an attempt to recapture Cinnamon on Tuesday evening but faced difficulties as she managed to hide in dense thicket. To minimize stress on the animal, they decided to use live traps with automatic doors instead of attempting a direct capture. These traps are designed to ensure the animal’s safety while increasing the chances of recovery.
Capybara Paradise
Cinnamon’s escape has generated significant interest, especially as she has made her way to the Humber Brook river near the zoo’s northern boundary. This area is described as a “capybara’s paradise” due to its abundant vegetation and water sources. “She can move up to 20 mph if she really gets going, and the undergrowth she can move through is a lot thicker than what we can move through,” Dorrell noted. Additionally, Cinnamon’s excellent swimming skills give her an advantage in this environment.
A Sweet Treat
Dorrell shared that the team observed Cinnamon happily munching on grass via the drone. This sighting indicates that she is comfortably settled in her new surroundings, making the recapture process even more challenging. “There’s loads of water over there, loads of ponds, streams, and food,” Dorrell explained.
Ongoing Efforts
The zoo is committed to continuing the search and monitoring Cinnamon’s movements while planning further recovery efforts. They have expressed gratitude for the support they have received so far and are hopeful for a positive outcome.
About Capybaras
Native to South America, capybaras are the largest living rodents in the world. Their adaptability to diverse environments, including water-rich areas like the one Cinnamon has found, showcases their remarkable survival skills.