“In mid-December, staff noticed that Freckles was having trouble breathing and could no longer climb onto Penguin Island,” zoo officials said. He was examined by veterinary staff, given intensive care and round-the-clock monitoring to keep him comfortable and stable. His condition didn’t improve, however, and by Thursday, Freckles appeared confused and didn’t respond when staff approached, touched him, or called his name. “Despite treatment with several medications, his quality of life had declined significantly, and his condition placed him at a high risk of drowning if he were given access to a pool,” zoo officials said.
January 27, 2026
Denver, CO
Denver, CO
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.”
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