Cinnamon the Capybara's time on the run in Shropshire comes to an end
Keepers have successfully recaptured her close to her home at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World near Telford
Last updated 20th Sep 2024
A capybara is no longer on the run in Shropshire.
Cinnamon has been found close to her home at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World near Telford.
The disappearance of the rodent - who looks like a giant guinea pig - has sparked interest around the world.
Yesterday Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World explained some of the issues its team has faced in persuading her to return to her enclosure.
A spokesperson said at the time:
"Our keepers were again working through the night to try and recapture Cinnamon. She was spotted again by a thermal drone within 5 metres of the same location from Tuesday night.
"Unfortunately this area is extremely dense with almost impenetrable undergrowth that Cinnamon can easily move under but we cannot.
"During our searches we found plenty of fresh tracks and Capybara poo and it looks like Cinnamon is extremely comfortable and happy in that area.
"We have been in lengthy discussions with wildlife capture professionals and all of us are concerned that continued disturbance of where Cinnamon is living could cause her to relocate to an area that could be dangerous. We are also bordered by the MOD and there are concerns that if she moves into that area we may not be able to retrieve her.
"At present she is comfortable, content, not short on food and not at risk to predators so it's better that we take our time and recapture Cinnamon with the least amount of stress possible. We have placed multiple live traps in that area and will be checking these multiple times a day but won't be conducting any further mass searches until Friday night unless the situation changes.
"Finally we'd like to thank everyone for their continued support. We are really touched and overwhelmed that Cinnamon has captured the hearts of so many people from all around the world. We know that everyone wants a quick resolution to this but we are sure you can all agree that it's more important that we recapture Cinnamon with as little stress as possible and ensure she stays happy and healthy."
Well now it's since been confirmed she's safe and well - and heading back home.
Keepers say the capybara sustained a minor bump to her nose during the operation to catch her.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World owner, Will Dorrell said,
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Cinnamon back at the zoo. We’ve been astounded at the public reaction to Cinnamon’s escape and are so grateful to everybody who has helped to return her safely to the zoo.”
“Cinnamon will be spending some time with her brother in an off-show enclosure this weekend, but all being well we hope that Cinnamon will return to her usual paddock with the rest of her family next week. I know that there will be lots of people who will be very excited to see her, but nobody more so than her own Mum and Dad.”
A timeline of Cinnamon’s Escape
Friday 13th September – Cinnamon the Capybara escapes her enclosure whilst zookeepers are mowing the lawn in her paddock.
Saturday 14th September – Cinnamon is spotted by a pedestrian on a road outside the zoo’s perimeter
Sunday 15th September – The zoo assembles a ‘round the clock’ search team to search woodlands, brooks and ponds both on the zoos grounds and nearby to the zoo’s perimeter.
Monday 16th September – The zoo appeal for the public’s support in locating Cinnamon after weekend searches prove fruitless. Searches continue throughout dusk and in to the night.
Tuesday 17th September – The search party call upon the expertise of local drone experts to locate Cinnamon and she is finally spotted by a drone in a field only 200 metres from her enclosure.
Wednesday 18th September – Cinnamon is spotted again by drone, but the zoo’s team of experts are unable to capture her. The zoo’s team of experts decide to temporarily pause recapture efforts in order not to cause Cinnamon any stress that may lead to her entering neighboring land occupied by the Ministry of Defence.
Thursday 19th September – Cinnamon is monitored by drone.
Friday 20th September – A reported sighting of Cinnamon in a pond in the zoo’s woodland conservation area leads to a successful capture. Cinnamon is returned to an enclosure with her twin brother, Churro.