Capybara on the Run: China Zoo Offers Reward for 'Fugitive' Rodent

A 1.5-year-old capybara named Doubao has become an unlikely fugitive, evading capture for over 40 days after escaping from the Zhuyuan Park in Yangzhou, China. Doubao's escape on April 3rd sparked a lighthearted yet determined search effort. While her brothers, Bazong and Duoduo, were apprehended relatively quickly, Doubao has proven more elusive. "Investigations indicate that Doubao carries no dangerous weapons and poses no threat to the public," the zoo joked in an online appeal. The zoo's playful yet earnest pleas for Doubao's return, complete with a reward of one free zoo ticket, have generated both amusement and concern among Chinese netizens. The story highlights the unexpected challenges of managing even the most docile of zoo inhabitants, while also showcasing the public's engagement with wildlife conservation. The ongoing search for Doubao serves as a reminder of the sometimes unpredictable nature of wildlife, even within controlled environments.