“`html
To watch this video, please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that
supports HTML5
video
A large rodent known as Cinnamon has escaped in Shropshire after breaking free from her enclosure at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World.
The zoo located in Telford has requested the community to report any sightings and advised residents not to approach the Capybara.
They stated: ‘On Friday, September 14, our cherished Capybara, Cinnamon, fled from her habitat and ventured into the woodlands within the zoo premises.
‘On Saturday evening, she succeeded in breaching the zoo’s boundary fence and was observed on a nearby roadway.
‘Regrettably, there have been no additional sightings of Cinnamon since Saturday evening, despite teams working continuously to find her. It is probable that Cinnamon is nearby the zoo, in The Humbers and the adjacent fields where there is an abundance of food and numerous ponds.
‘Though Capybaras are typically amiable and curious creatures, it is advisable not to approach her, as she may become unpredictable if startled or trapped.
‘Cinnamon shares a remarkable bond with her caretakers and it is likely that she can be lured back to her habitat without physical intervention.’
Capybaras are substantial rodents indigenous to South America. They are regarded as very social animals and depend on one another for their well-being.
They can reach lengths of up to 4 feet and heights of 24 inches, weighing between 77 to 146 pounds. They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for as long as five minutes.
Being social creatures, Capybaras have gained popularity online for their quirky behaviors together. In 2016, a picture featuring 11 capybaras taking shelter from the rain at the Nagasaki Bio Park, a zoo and botanical gardens in Japan, went viral.
Japan appears to have a great fondness for these large rodents, having opened a new Capybara Café in Tokyo to honor the South American species.
If you are eager to observe these adorable creatures in the UK, we have compiled a list of locations where they can be found.
Where to see capybaras in their element in the UK
Want to interact with capybaras but don’t have the funds for a trip to Japan? There are several locations in the UK where you can do so:
- Cotswold Wildlife Park, Oxfordshire
- Shepreth Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire
- Chew Valley Animal Park, Bristol
- Chester Zoo, Cheshire
- Drusillas Park, East Sussex
- Hobbledown Heath, London
- Jimmy’s Farm, Suffolk
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
- Beale Park, Berkshire
- Dudley Zoo, West Midlands
- Newquay Zoo, Cornwall
- Blackpool Zoo, Lancashire
- Exmoor Zoo, North Devon
- Chessington Zoo, Surrey
- Cumbria Safari Zoo, Cumbria
- Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, Telford (pending Cinnamon’s safe return)
Connect with our news team via email at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, visit our news page.
“`
