A cherished capybara named Cinnamon has recently escaped from Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford, prompting a frantic search effort by the zoo staff. The incident occurred when Cinnamon managed to flee her habitat and ventured into the woodlands on the zoo grounds last Friday. By the following day, she had breached the zoo’s perimeter fence and was spotted on a nearby road, but no further sightings have been reported since then.
Despite continuous efforts from zoo teams working around the clock, Cinnamon remains missing. The zoo has indicated that she is likely hiding within the vicinity of the zoo, The Humbers, and the surrounding fields, where there is an abundance of food and ponds that might attract her. The search is ongoing, with staff hopeful that Cinnamon is close by and will be located soon.
The zoo has informed the local council about the escape, in compliance with their licensing conditions. They have also issued a warning to the public, advising against attempting to capture Cinnamon. Although capybaras are generally friendly and curious, they can become unpredictable if they feel threatened or cornered, making it important for people to avoid approaching her.
For those who might spot Cinnamon, the zoo has requested that sightings be reported between 17:00 and 09:00 BST via an out-of-hours phone number rather than through social media, to ensure timely and effective responses. This precaution is in place to avoid missing important updates due to potentially overlooked comments on platforms like Facebook.
The zoo spokesperson expressed confidence in Cinnamon’s strong bond with her keepers, which might help in encouraging her back to her habitat without the need for physical intervention. The zoo appreciates the public’s support in locating Cinnamon and is hopeful for her safe and swift return.