Katie Daly
Updated on: October 12, 2024 11:28 pm GMT
The search for Cinnamon, a capybara who escaped from Hoo Zoo in Telford, has captured the hearts of many and taken a turn into the wild. This clever capybara managed to slip away from her enclosure last Friday, leading to an ongoing and concerted effort to bring her back to her family.
Bright Escape: How Cinnamon Went Missing
Cinnamon’s adventure began when she made a daring escape while keepers were mowing the grass in her paddock. Hidden in the long grass near the gate, she took advantage of the moment the gate was opened. When the door swung wide, she darted past a tractor and out into the woods surrounding the zoo.
Zoo owner Will Dorrell described Cinnamon’s escape as a mix of mischief and intelligence. “Our two young capybara here are always trying to work out a different way of trying to cause us headaches,” he stated. Cinnamon, born at the zoo alongside her brother Churro, is now around one year old.
Cinnamon is considered to be “living her best life” in the wild, according to Dorrell. Capybaras are native to South America and are known for being excellent swimmers, which gives them the ability to navigate local bodies of water comfortably.
Current Search Efforts
Since her escape, the zoo staff has been conducting searches around the clock. The most recent sighting of Cinnamon was reported to be near Humber Brook, a river that runs close to the zoo. Local drone operators have joined the search to aid in locating her more effectively.
– Search teams have been deployed daily.
– A thermal camera drone operated by local volunteers was utilized to spot Cinnamon in a nearby field.
– She was located around 200 meters (650 feet) from her home enclosure.
During an interview, Dorrell shared, “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.”
Despite the encouraging drone sighting, Dorrell said that tracking and capturing her in the dense wilderness would be a significant challenge. The plan is now to set live traps that would ensure she is safe and unharmed when they attempt to bring her back.
*Capybara Cinnamon spotted after her escape from Hoo Zoo, photographed from a drone.*
Life in the Wild for Cinnamon
According to zoo staff, Cinnamon is making the most of her newfound freedom. Dorrell explained, “In the wild, they’re fantastic swimmers and they’ll live on riverbanks. Whenever they feel threatened, they can simply run into the water and stay submerged for hours.”
Although she is away from her family, Dorrell emphasized that Cinnamon is not in any imminent danger. The climate is mild enough for her to survive and there is plenty of food in the surrounding area, which gives her the ability to thrive.
Visitors and local residents have been asked to keep an eye out for Cinnamon and report any sightings to zoo staff. However, Dorrell cautioned against approaching her, as she may be frightened and could flee further into the wilderness.
“She’s very, very tame; she wouldn’t hurt anyone, but she’s likely to be timid in her current situation,” he said.
Public Interest and Community Support
Cinnamon’s escapade has sparked significant interest locally. Many are following the updates on social media, eager for news regarding her return. Zoo staff have encouraged the public to assist in the search with the understanding that maintaining a safe distance is essential to prevent scaring her away.
Dorrell expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “It would obviously be nice to reunite them,” he remarked, referring to Cinnamon and her brother Churro.
In the meantime, Churro, who is closely bonded with Cinnamon, remains at the zoo with their parents. Staff members are closely monitoring his behavior and well-being during this surprising separation.
A Continued Search
As the search continues for Cinnamon, the team at Hoo Zoo remains dedicated to bringing her back safely. Dorrell emphasized the importance of knowing her whereabouts but reassured that she is currently not at risk.
“We’re working round the clock at the moment to find her,” he said. With the increasing community involvement and the assistance of drones, hopes remain high that sooner or later, this lively capybara will be back in her home enclosure.
Cinnamon’s adventures are exciting! Many people are curious to know if this smart capybara will make her way back home or keep exploring the wild life she has just discovered.
