Runaway capybara 'Doubao' returns home healthy, heavier after months-long search

(ECNS) – The months-long search for Doubao, a runaway capybara, came to an unexpected but welcome end early Tuesday when she walked into a trap set by searchers and triggered the mechanism, closing the gate behind her.

The female capybara, missing since April 3, was the last of three escapees from Yangzhou's Zhuyuwan Zoo, Jiangsu Province. According to zoo staff, she returned not only safe and sound — but also slightly chubbier, having gained over a kilogram during her two-month adventure.

Her homecoming marks a joyful reunion with companions "Bazong" and "Duoduo" who had also broken out in April but were recaptured earlier.

The capybara trio — known for their docile and slow-paced lifestyle — made headlines after a dramatic escape from the zoo. Surveillance footage revealed that the ringleader, Bazong, used his head to smash a wooden window in their enclosure. At around 3 a.m. on April 3, he led Doubao and Duoduo on their "great escape."

Bazong was the first to be found, leisurely swimming in a park river, eluding zookeepers by diving and circling them in playful defiance. After a full day of effort, he was safely returned.

Duoduo proved more elusive. She made her way to a nearby canal and repeatedly evaded capture by diving underwater. After 28 days, on April 30, zoo staff finally recaptured her with nets after a carefully coordinated effort. Duoduo had lost 2 kilograms during her time in the wild and was given special meals to regain strength.

But Doubao remained missing for two more months. A reward was also offered for any sightings of the capybara. Earlier, zoo staff found signs of her in nearby villages — most notably, fresh droppings — and were hopeful she hadn't gone far. During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the zoo director affectionately called for her return in livestreams. Now, the zoo has reinforced the capybaras' enclosure with secure mesh to prevent similar incidents.

(By Evelyn)