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Tapirs at Denver Zoo Die of Copper Poisoning

Incident Date:
01/27/2026
Location:
Denver, CO - USA
Facility Name:
Denver Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Other
Animal:
Tapir
Animal disposition:
Dead

Summary:

DENVER, CO – An investigation into the sudden deaths of two Malayan tapirs at the Denver Zoo determined they died after receiving a heavy dose of copper. Tapirs typically live up to 30 years. However, JonHi, 16, and Rinny, 18, both died within a short period, leaving zoo staff surprised and concerned. The zoo’s Animal Care and Animal Health teams launched an internal investigation into what could have caused their sudden passing.

Team members ultimately determined that the tapirs died due to an accidental overdose of copper. The zoo said copper is part of a common dietary supplement they need to maintain the animals’ health, and that the care team had previously identified low levels in the two animals. Zoo staff said they take “full responsibility for identifying what went wrong and for addressing it directly and immediately.”

Action take by Born Free USA:

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