Denver Zoo officials are investigating after the zoo’s two died, the zoo announced Friday.
“We’re deeply saddened to share that we recently lost our two beloved Malayan tapirs, JohHi, 16, and Rinny, 18,” the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance wrote on . “Given the loss of both animals in a relatively short period of time, our Animal Care and Health teams are thoroughly investigating their deaths to determine the causes and any potential connection in accordance with our standard protocols.”
are an endangered species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s .
The tapirs — sometimes called “oreo” tapirs because of their black and white coloring — typically grow up to 8 feet long and 3 1/2 feet tall, and can weigh more than 700 pounds, . The vegetarian animals can live for up to 30 years, zoo officials said.
“We can confirm that there is no risk to other animals, staff or guests,” zoo officials said, adding that the zoo would share the results of the death investigations after they were completed. It’s unknown how long those investigations will take.
