Overview
- Marwell Zoo, which secured Natural England approval on Wednesday, is preparing humane badger traps baited with melon and banana along the River Itchen.
- Current searches concentrate near Allbrook after an unconfirmed report, following Sunday footage that placed Samba between Twyford and Brambridge Garden Centre.
- Specialist crews use drones, thermal imaging, sniffer dogs and camera traps in small four‑ or five‑person teams to avoid spooking a capybara that can slip into water and hide.
- The zoo warns that roads and colder weather are the main risks and asks people to send a photo or video with a precise location to 07436 167401 rather than approach the animal.
- Lidl offered free bananas to help bait traps, highlighting broad local involvement as the hunt enters its second week after Samba’s March 17 escape.