Cornwall, England – Zookeepers at the Newquay Zoo in Corwall made the difficult decision to euthanize two unlikely best friends on the same day in order to prevent one of them from being lonely after the other’s death. The sad news was released to followers of the zoo in a February 20 Facebook post.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Johnson, our nine-year-old capybara, and Al, our 20-year-old Brazilian tapir. Following careful assessment and consultation between our veterinary and animal care teams, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanise both animals on Friday 20 February due to age-related health decline.
Explaining the friendship the two animals had formed:
Johnson and Al shared a long-standing companionship within our South American enclosure. Capybaras and tapirs are naturally calm, social species, and the two animals had developed a strong bond over the years.
According to the zoo, both animals had recently developed health problems that were negatively impacting their quality of life. The zoo explained their difficult decision, writing:
After careful consideration, we made the difficult decision to humanely euthanise them together, ensuring neither animal would experience isolation following the loss of a companion.
Those who knew and loved them are mourning the tremendous loss.
Rest easy Johnson and Al.
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