A huge capybara is still on the loose four days after escaping from a popular UK zoo – and the public has been warned not to approach the creature.
Cinammon the capybara – who is also the world’s largest rodent – has been on the run ever since she managed to escape from her enclosure at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford, Shropshire on Friday.
Zoo bosses confirmed she entered woodlands within the zoo grounds before getting beyond the perimeter fence.
There has been no further sightings since then, but she is believed to be in the vicinity of the Humber Brook river following “useful information” from local residents.
Members of the public have been urged not to approach the animal as they can become “unpredictable if alarmed or cornered.”
In an update this afternoon (Tue) the zoo wrote on social media: “We’d like to thank everyone for their support and kind comments at this difficult time.
“Despite searching throughout the night there were no sightings of Cinnamon.
“However, we have received some very useful information from local residents and now believe that Cinnamon is likely living in and around the Humber Brook on our northern border.
“As a result of this new information, we will be conducting a mass search of the area this evening with the help of a local thermal camera drone operator and the keepers from Exotic Zoo who have kindly volunteered their help.
“We are getting lots of offers of help from local residents and we would like to ask you to keep you eyes peeled.
“Cinnamon is very timid and any attempt to capture her by untrained individuals could result in driving her further away from her home – which we want to avoid.
“Cinnamon is greatly loved and missed by her keepers who are continuing to give extra care to her parents and brother who remain at Hoo Zoo.”
Capybaras are native to South America, are the largest living rodents in the world and belong to the same family as guinea pigs and rock cavies..
They are semi-aquatic and spend most of their time grazing or swimming in the nearest water they can find.
Adults can grow up to 106-134 cm (3.4ft-4.4ft) in length, stand 50 to 62cms (20ins to 24 ins) tall and typically weigh between five-ten stone (35kg to 66kg).
Yesterday (Mon) the zoo confirmed their “beloved” Cinnamon had escaped from her habitat and had entered woodlands nearby.
The post added: “On Saturday evening she managed to get beyond the zoo’s perimeter fence and was spotted on a nearby road.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t had any further sighting of Cinnamon since Saturday evening, despite having teams working around the clock to locate her.
“It is likely that Cinnamon is in the vicinity of the zoo, The Humbers and surrounding fields where there is ample food and plenty of ponds.
“We have reported the escape to the council in line with the conditions of our zoo license.
“Under no circumstances should a member of the public try to capture the animal by themselves.
“Although Capybara are generally friendly and inquisitive animals, the animal should not be approached as it could become unpredictable if alarmed or cornered.
“Cinnamon has a fantastic bond with her keepers and it is likely that she can be encouraged back to her habitat with no physical intervention.
“Please wish us all the very best for the safe and swift return of Cinnamon. We appreciate all of your support in finding her.”