Marwell Zoo has introduced a new capybara, Ripple, to its Hampshire enclosure, four months after another of the giant rodents, Samba, made international headlines by vanishing without a trace.
Zookeepers, however, insist they have not given up the search for the missing animal.
Samba, a female, first arrived at the zoo in March alongside Tango, her companion.
Their introduction was short-lived, as Samba absconded almost immediately, sparking a widespread search that has continued ever since.
Now, male capybara Ripple has been brought in to provide company for Tango. The pair will initially be kept in a private habitat, allowing them to become comfortable before moving to a public-facing area.
The zoo, near Winchester, has stressed that the hunt for Samba remains active.
The capybara’s disappearance attracted international interest. It is believed that she escaped by squeezing under a low gate.
The search for her has so far proved unsuccessful, despite public sightings and efforts involving more than 20 zoo staff members doing ground searches and deploying camera traps.
“We’re delighted to welcome Ripple, a male capybara from Blackpool Zoo,” the zoo said in a statement.
“Ripple is being gradually introduced to our female capybara, Tango, in their private habitat, allowing them time to get to know each other at their own pace.
“Once they’re comfortable together, they’ll move into their fantastic new home at the front of the zoo, complete with a large pool and plenty of space to explore, ready for the start of the summer holidays.
“While we’re excited about Ripple’s arrival, his move is first and foremost about ensuring Tango’s continued welfare by providing her with appropriate companionship.
“We know many people will be wondering about Samba. Welcoming Ripple does not mean we have stopped searching for her.
“Our efforts to find Samba continue, and her welfare remains a priority for the team.
“We look forward to introducing Ripple and Tango to everyone very soon.”
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, weighing up to 80kg and measuring up to 1.7 metres in size, and are native to South America.
Samba arrived in Hampshire after coming from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Ipswich alongside Tango.
Zoo staff believe that both Samba and her sister Tango squeezed under a low gate in an off-show area, allowing them to escape.
While Tango was quickly recovered, the search for Samba continues.
Five days after her escape, Samba was seen resting in the sunshine at the side of a river near the zoo by a dog walker who captured phone footage as she jumped in the water and swam off.
Capybaras love water, so locals have been urged to check gardens, ponds, rivers and local water environments where Samba may be hiding.
The zoo has launched a review to understand how the escape happened.
Anyone who believes they have seen Samba is asked to contact the zoo on a dedicated 24-hour hotline.
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