Tucson, AZ
TUSCON, AZ – Reid Park Zoo’s last remaining Capybara died unexpectedly this week, zoo officials announced Saturday. Hendrix died of inoperable gastrointestinal issues. His female mate, Siren, died in January.
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COMOX, B.C. – CANADA – Conservation officers successfully wrangled a 1.5-meter-long boa constrictor near Comox on Vancouver Island on Thursday. Officers were alerted to a “potential large snake on the loose” in Miracle Beach Provincial Park, about 150 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, according to a Facebook post from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS).
Some trails were temporarily closed, and park visitors were turned away at trail entrances, while officers searched for the snake. Conservation officers are investigating the circumstances of the loose snake, but many believe that the owner of the snake intentionally released them.
The COS said it does not believe the incident is linked to a boa constrictor that was recently captured in Tofino, B.C. Because of the boa constrictor’s length, they are considered to be a “restricted reptile,” which means that they cannot be released under any circumstances under the Controlled Alien Species regulation, according to the COS.
The boa constrictor is now in the care of the Comox Valley SPCA.
ROCHESTER, NY – Zookeepers recently used a crane to haul a four-ton 47-year-old African elephant back to her feet at the Seneca Park Zoo. Staff rushed to save the elephant after she was knocked to the ground by another elephant.
The elephant, named Genny C, was at a feeding station in her pen when she fell off her feet on June 25. Video shows staff members strapping a harness around her before hauling her back onto her legs.
Crews in hard hats can be seen discussing the best plan of action before the 4,000kg was able to walk again. Older elephants often struggle to get back up after being knocked down in captivity due to their size and weight, with most requiring assistance.
APPLE VALLEY, MN – The Minnesota Zoo has announced that one of their tigers has died of mesothelioma.
Sundari, also called “Dari”, was the zoo’s 13-year-old female Amur tiger. She was “humanely euthanized” earlier this month (June 2025) due to fast-spreading mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Anyone who develops mesothelioma has been exposed to this substance – usually many years before tumors first form. Asbestos is a mineral made of microscopic fibers. When the fibers break apart, they can be inhaled or swallowed. If an animal inhales these fibers, they can get trapped in the mesothelial linings and cause cells to mutate.
The number of animals that develop mesothelioma is unknown. There are only a few reported cases, usually in pet dogs. In 2021, a dog in Japan developed mesothelioma and was treated with surgery when the cancer was still localized (early stages). The Minnesota Zoo said mesothelioma can develop in wild felid species such as tigers.
BROOKFIELD, IL – A baby dolphin born live on camera at the Brookfield Zoo has died just days after footage of the birth went viral, the zoo announced Thursday.
The zoo said it was “devastated” by the sudden loss of the 4-day-old dolphin calf, who was born on Saturday and passed away late Wednesday evening. Dr. Rita Stacey, senior vice president of programs and impact for Brookfield Zoo Chicago, stated that “While the calf was progressing well, dolphin neonates face immense biological challenges. We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing.”
The zoo is still awaiting results to determine what caused the death.