Farm owners ‘absolutely devastated’ after capybaras ‘stolen’ from enclosure

An “absolutely devastated” farm owner in Moray has called for the return of a breeding pair of capybaras that appeared to have been stolen from their enclosure.

The animals were kept at Thorabella Farm in Dallas, near Forres, having been brought to the farm in March last year.

On Tuesday morning, staff became alarmed when they were unable to locate the mammals in their heated enclosure, particularly given the current freezing temperatures.

A detailed search of both the enclosure and the surrounding farmland was carried out, but the capybaras were not found.

There were also no footprints or signs to suggest the animals had escaped on their own.

In a statement shared on social media, the farm confirmed that police have been informed about what it described as an “incredibly distressing” incident.

“I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but our breeding pair of capybaras, who we welcomed to the farm in March last year, have been stolen,” the post read.

“They were not in their heated enclosure this morning. Given the awful weather, we feared the worst and carried out a full search of the enclosure and pond.

“With the snow and ice this has not been easy, but there is absolutely no trace of them.

“The police have been informed and the farm has been thoroughly searched.

“There are no footprints or signs of escape outside of their enclosure.

“I would really appreciate this post being shared in case someone is attempting to sell them on.”

The owners also raised serious concerns for the animals’ welfare, noting that capybaras have very specific requirements when it comes to warmth, accommodation and diet.

“Capybaras require very specific heating, housing and dietary needs, and this situation is incredibly distressing for us”, they said.

“Yes, they cost a considerable amount, but in the grand scheme of things that is irrelevant, we just want our animals home. We are absolutely devastated.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.10pm on Tuesday January 6, 2026, we received a report of a theft of two capybaras at a premises in the Dallas area near Forres.

“Inquiries are at an early stage.”