Hoo Farm Hoo Farm zoo news

We visited over the weekend. Last time we went was May 2023.

A few things had changed, some mentioned here already, like the Da Brazza Monkeys (old Fishing Cat enclosure) and Dwarf Mongoose (next to the Genet).

We saw the Zorilla! It was curled up in a corner, but we managed to see it. Off course, 10 minutes later when we went back, it had moved back into it's box, so once again missed it walking around.

The Raccoon Dogs are gone :( it's now being occupied by Bear, the Raccoon.

So there is still the Prairie Dogs, but next to it where the Skunks were is closed up (think they all moved to behind where the Foxes are, we saw 2 Skunks there), and then Bear the Raccoon was there also but that's also closed.

Didn't see any of the Arctic Foxes, which I thought was a bit strange? And I didn't see the sign either. Though, a keeper doing an experience just walked past and said to the group there's Red Foxes and Arctic Foxes, so I'm not sure what's going on, I then forgot about it to as a keeper later on.

Another new animal is the Black Lemur. The Brown Lemurs now have acces to the back of the enclosure, and the Black Lemur is in the front bit. Don't know if there's a female, there was only a male (with a sign under veterinary care).

The Dwarf Mongoose have a sign saying they came on July 4th from Port Lympne.

Behind the Bobcats/Lynx there is now a bit to walk around with prehistorical beasts (not dinosaurs).
 
From the park's Facebook page:

On Friday 14th September, our beloved Capybara, Cinnamon, escaped from her habitat and entered the woodlands within the zoo grounds. On Saturday evening she managed to get beyond the zoo’s perimeter fence and was spotted on a nearby road.

Unfortunately, we haven’t had any further sighting of Cinnamon since Saturday evening, despite having teams working around the clock to locate her. It is likely that Cinnamon is in the vicinity of the zoo, The Humbers and surrounding fields where there is ample food and plenty of ponds.
We have reported the escape to the council in line with the conditions of our zoo license.

If members of the public sight the animal they should call the zoo immediately on 01952 677 917. Please do not report sightings on Facebook as they may not be seen.

Under no circumstances should a member of the public try to capture the animal by themselves.

Although Capybara are generally friendly and inquisitive animals, the animal should not be approached as it could become unpredictable if alarmed or cornered.

Cinnamon has a fantastic bond with her keepers and it is likely that she can be encouraged back to her habitat with no physical intervention.

Please wish us all the very best for the safe and swift return of Cinnamon. We appreciate all of your support in finding her.

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The owner, Will Dorrell,has said that they intend to intensify the search tonight, using the drone, as Cinnamon is more likely to be active during the dark

Hope they find her and she isn't hurt by members of the public. I guess if she has found water and a food source she will stay around it. And it's not too cold at night at the moment.
 
Even made the BBC news last night. Hoo may find the publicity rather embarassing but longerterm it helps puts them on the map more and I don't think there's much danger involved with a Capy on the loose. I read she simply ran out past a tractor mower when they opened the gate to let it into the paddock.
 
Cinnamon's escape a fortnight ago looks like being a gift for the zoo. It has inspired memes, merchandise and even a song, which the staff play on repeat. It has increased footfall and a children's book is in the works, and even rumours of a film. The owner Will Dorrell said " we'd probably be stupid not to capitalise a little bit ". So if you want Cinnamon teddies, magnets and clothing, the zoo has it all.
 
Cinnamon, the capybara, will be even more famous, a new book for children called " Cinnamons Big Adventure " by Tracy j Morgan has been published.
 
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