Overview
- Samba escaped from a temporary holding area at Marwell Zoo on March 17 after arriving from Jimmy’s Farm and her sister Tango was recovered soon after.
- After months of searches using thermal drones, sniffer dogs and public appeals, new trap and wildlife camera photos in October provide fresh, confirmed sightings of Samba in the area.
- Marwell Zoo has installed extra cameras and set up a feeding site to encourage Samba to return regularly as part of a staged plan focused on her welfare.
- The zoo is keeping the precise location confidential because Samba is on private land and staff say any disturbance could frighten her away and hinder recovery.
- Reports disagree on Samba’s age, and keepers warn that risks such as traffic, isolation over winter and the animal’s social needs make a careful recovery urgent.