Denver Zoo Investigates Copper Poisoning Deaths of Tapirs

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An investigation into the sudden deaths of two Malayan tapirs at the Denver Zoo determined they died after receiving a heavy dose of copper, a common dietary supplement the animals need to maintain their health. The zoo said the care team had previously identified low copper levels in the two tapirs, JonHi and Rinny, and the overdose was accidental.

Why it matters

The loss of the two tapirs, aged 16 and 18, is a tragic incident for the zoo and raises concerns about the potential risks of administering dietary supplements to animals, even when done with the best intentions to maintain their health.

The details

The zoo's Animal Care and Animal Health teams launched an internal investigation into what could have caused the sudden passing of JonHi and Rinny. They ultimately determined that the tapirs died due to an accidental overdose of copper, which is part of a common dietary supplement the animals receive.

• JonHi, 16, and Rinny, 18, both died within a short period, leaving zoo staff surprised and concerned.

What’s next

The zoo said it is reviewing and strengthening its internal protocols to reduce the possibility of similar incidents occurring in the future.