After two months on the run, the final member of an adventurous trio of capybaras has been captured, bringing an end to an escape saga that has captivated the Chinese internet.
Doubao, a female capybara whose name means “Bean Bun” in Chinese, was recaptured early Tuesday morning after walking into a humane trap set by staff at the Yangzhou Zhuyuwan Scenic Area zoo, according to a statement released by the facility.
“The runaway child has returned home!” the zoo announced jubilantly in a social media post, alongside a video of Doubao sniffing the trap and pawing at its sides. A voice in the background can be heard warmly saying, “Welcome home, Doubao.”
Doubao had been on the loose since early April, when she and two other capybaras, Bazong (“Big Shot”) and Duoduo (“Hide Hide”), made a daring escape from their enclosure. The breakout began when Bazong broke through a fence, prompting the trio’s great adventure.
Zoo staff recaptured Bazong shortly afterward, finding him leisurely floating in a lake. Duoduo proved trickier, ultimately cornered in a rubbish bin after a dramatic chase involving seven or eight staff members. But Doubao managed to evade capture for weeks, earning folk-hero status online.
Despite her extended absence, Doubao appeared to be in excellent health. “She actually gained weight, and her fur is still smooth and glossy,” the zoo said. “It looks like she was doing well out there!”
At the height of the search, the zoo issued a mock “wanted” poster and offered a quirky reward for information leading to her capture: a carton of eggs, frozen fried rice, capybara-themed merchandise, and lifetime zoo admission. Livestreamed appeals from zoo staff further fueled public fascination.
Capybaras, native to South America, have grown in popularity around the world due to their calm demeanor and internet fame. The Yangzhou Zoo says it’s now reinforcing its enclosures and keeping a closer eye on its capybara crew.
Written By Rodney Mbua
