Escaped capybara forces temporary closure of zoo

Jersey Zoo Temporarily Closed After Capybara Escape

Jersey Zoo was forced to close temporarily on Saturday morning after a capybara escaped from its enclosure. Staff discovered the animal, named Tango, was missing during routine morning checks around 08:00.

The zoo resumed normal operations by 11:30 BST after the mammal team quickly located Tango in the Tamarin Woods area within the zoo grounds.

Tango, a nearly two-year-old triplet, recently arrived from Drusillas Park in East Sussex. During his time there, he gained attention for his affectionate nature—famously demanding cuddles from author Dame Jacqueline Wilson during a World Book Day event.

A spokesperson for the zoo, which was founded by naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, expressed gratitude to visitors and members for their patience during the brief closure.