Source: CBS News
An investigation by the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance found that two Malayan tapirs, JonHi (16) and Rinny (18), died from accidental copper poisoning. The deaths occurred within a short time span, alarming zoo staff because tapirs typically live up to 30 years. Following the losses, the zoo’s Animal Care and Animal Health teams conducted an internal review to determine the cause. The investigation revealed the tapirs received an excessive dose of copper, a mineral commonly included in dietary supplements to maintain animal health.
Care teams had previously identified low copper levels in both animals, which led to supplementation. Zoo officials publicly accepted full responsibility, stating the overdose was unintentional. In a statement shared with CBS Colorado, the zoo expressed deep sorrow and emphasized that animal welfare remains its top priority. The zoo is now reviewing and strengthening internal protocols to prevent similar incidents, honoring the tapirs by improving safety and care systems.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/tapirs-denver-zoo-died-copper-overdose/