Denver Zoo is reeling after the recent deaths of two Malayan tapirs, JohHi, 16, and Rinny, 18, and staff are now focused on figuring out what went wrong. Animal Care and Health teams have opened an internal review and sent samples for pathology testing to determine a cause. Zoo officials say that while that work is underway, there is no current risk to other animals, staff, or guests.
Zoo Opens Internal Inquiry
In a social media post, the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance wrote, "We're deeply saddened to share that we recently lost our two beloved Malayan tapirs, JohHi, 16, and Rinny, 18," and said teams are "thoroughly investigating" the deaths under standard protocols. As reported by CBS News Colorado, the zoo plans to share more information once pathology results arrive and the internal inquiry is complete.
Species Status And Why It Matters
Malayan tapirs are native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula, and Sumatra, and are classified as endangered because of habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. That conservation status is outlined by specialists at the Tapir Specialist Group. In human care, these tapirs often live into their mid to late 20s, with many sources citing lifespans around 20 to 30 years and some individuals reaching their 30s, as noted by species accounts like Animal Diversity Web.
Zoos' Conservation Role And Local Implications
Breeding and transfers for endangered species are coordinated through programs such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plans, which manage genetics and population health across accredited institutions. AZA notes that these coordinated efforts are central to conservation work for species like the Malayan tapir. The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance highlights conservation and animal care as core parts of its mission, and Denver Zoo says staff are following established protocols while the investigation into the tapirs' deaths continues.
The zoo remains open, and officials maintain there is no increased risk to visitors or other animals. Any operational changes or exhibit closures will be shared by the zoo, and people looking for updates are encouraged to check Denver Zoo's website and official communications for the latest information.
