China zoo seeks public help to locate escaped capybara, offers free entry ticket

New Straits Times

15-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: An adult female capybara named Doubao remains at large more than a month after escaping from a zoo enclosure in China's Zhuyuwan Park.
In a statement released on last Sunday, zoo officials confirmed that Doubao, who is approximately 18 months old, has yet to be recaptured.
A reward in the form of a free park entry ticket is being offered to anyone who can provide credible information leading to her safe return.
According to Chinese media outlets CGTN and the Global Times, Doubao made her daring escape alongside her companions, Bazong and Duoduo, in the early hours of April 3.
Zoo authorities said that Bazong, often described as gentle and laid-back, was believed to be the mastermind behind the breakout.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Bazong using his head to break a window in their enclosure, allowing the trio to flee.
Bazong was found shortly after the escape, leisurely swimming in a river within the zoo premises.
Duoduo, who was dubbed an "evasion expert" by the Global Times, managed to avoid capture for nearly a month by hiding in a canal and diving underwater to evade zookeepers. She was eventually caught on April 30, having lost approximately 2kg during her time on the run.
Zoo staff have since reinforced the animals' enclosure with protective netting.
Zookeepers told the Global Times that Doubao is hiding in a swampy, reed-filled area near a canal within the park. Her strong swimming abilities and the natural terrain have made capture attempts challenging.
"Investigations show that the suspect (Doubao) is unarmed and not aggressive. We appeal to citizens and tourists not to worry," the zoo said, adding that anyone with information related to the missing capybara would receive a free park entry ticket as a reward.
In response to criticism from social media users over the low reward value, zoo officials said the reward for finding Doubao may be increased.
"While our reward offer may not be large, we have never cut corners when it comes to providing quality living conditions for our animals," a zoo staff member said, as quoted by the Global Times.
The zoo has also completed new habitats for several animals and plans to upgrade existing enclosures, as well as build a native species section.