Capybara escapes from zoo as public is giving safety warning

A “beloved” capybara has escaped from a West Midlands zoo, with the public given a safety warning.

The giant rodent, called Cinnamon, fled her habitat at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford on Friday, and later managed to escape the zoo’s fence.

The last known sighting of her was on Saturday, zoo staff said, “despite having teams working around the clock to locate her".

The animal is thought to be in the vicinity of the zoo in The Humbers area, but members of the public are being warned not to try and catch her themselves.

"Under no circumstances should a member of the public try to capture the animal by themselves," a spokesperson for Hoo Zoo said.

"Although capybara are generally friendly and inquisitive animals, the animal should not be approached as it could become unpredictable if alarmed or cornered."

Anyone who sees Cinnamon between 5pm and 9am is being asked to call zoo staff on an out-of-hours number.

The zoo said it had reported the escape to the local council as required by its licence.

A zoo spokesperson said: "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."