Neil Pond
Updated on: October 13, 2024 4:35 am GMT
After a week of uncertainty and excitement, a capybara named Cinnamon is safely back at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford. Her daring escape from her enclosure has captivated not just local residents but also animal lovers around the globe.
Cinnamon’s Week on the Run
Cinnamon, a 25kg (55lb) capybara, made headlines when she slipped out of her paddock on September 13, 2023. The capybara’s departure occurred because staff were mowing the grass, leaving the gate open. Once startled by the tractor, Cinnamon darted through the opening. The incident quickly turned into a frantic search filled with hope and concern as zookeepers and local wildlife experts combed the area.
– Cinnamon’s escape led to:
– A team of approximately 20 people searching for her
– The utilization of thermal drones to locate the elusive rodent
– Numerous locals spotting her in the surrounding woods and grassy areas
A Challenging Search
Despite multiple attempts using enticing fruits and familiar sounds, keepers found it difficult to lure the adventurous capybara back. Cinnamon was spotted enjoying a variety of nibbles in nearby fields and even taking dips in a local pond. “She was quite happy in the pond,” noted Will Dorrell, co-owner of the zoo.
Joiners in the search faced numerous challenges. The dense woods and thick underbrush made it hard to track her down, but the dedicated team was determined to bring her home.
Operation Capture
The long-awaited breakthrough came when Becky Dorrell, Will’s co-owner and wife, followed Cinnamon’s tracks to a secluded pond. There, after an involved hour of carefully herding her into a cage, the team successfully captured Cinnamon and returned her to the safety of the zoo.
– Capturing Cinnamon involved:
– Extensive tracking through the wilderness
– Team effort to coax her into a cage
– Utilizing the environment to find her hiding spots
“I’d love to say it was nice and easy getting her out of the pond, but it wasn’t,” Will Dorrell said. “Several of us got very wet.” The rescue team was relieved to finally bring her back, alive and healthy.
A Warm Welcome Home
Upon her return, Cinnamon was reunited with her twin brother, Churro. The zoo staff reported that she settled back into her home quickly, while also confirming that she would undergo a health check to ensure her well-being. “She looks nice and fit and healthy,” said Will Dorrell. “In that area, she was living her best life, but we have a responsibility to make sure these non-native animals don’t roam in the British countryside.”
Cinnamon’s escape and return has sparked significant media attention, raising awareness about the responsibilities animal parks have regarding their inhabitants. The Dorrells acknowledge the situation’s charm and how it has captured the public’s imagination, but they stress the importance of Cinnamon’s health above all else.
The Importance of Regulations
The zoo management took immediate action to ensure similar events do not occur in the future. They have launched a review to improve safety protocols, including better training for handlers and routine checks on enclosures.
– New safety measures include:
– Regular monitoring of enclosure gates
– Enhanced training for staff to prevent escape incidents
– Ongoing health checks for all animals
“What’s more important for us is Cinnamon’s well-being,” Will Dorrell added. “We won’t be making any future decisions regarding the media interest and potential fame until we are assured that she is in excellent health.”
Cinnamon’s Impact
The story of Cinnamon has resonated not just locally but also globally, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities that come with caring for exotic animals. This experience will not only inform the management strategies at Hoo Zoo but will also serve as an educational piece about wildlife care and the complexities of keeping non-native species.
– Key takeaways from Cinnamon’s adventure:
– Importance of secure enclosures
– Public interest in animal welfare and safety
– Roles of animal parks in managing non-native species
Conclusion
Cinnamon’s short but thrilling adventure has started a big talk about taking care of wildlife and our responsibilities as a community. Now that she is back home at Hoo Zoo, everyone—both the staff and visitors—are excited to welcome her back and think about the important lessons we’ve learned. This experience reminds us how closely connected we are to animals and how much we need to do to keep them safe and healthy.
