Capybara and Tapir best friends euthanized on same day so neither would be left alone

A tapir and a capybara who became best friends at a UK zoo have been euthanized on the same day after keepers decided it was the most compassionate option.

Newquay Zoo confirmed that Johnson, a nine-year-old capybara, and Al, a 20-year-old Brazilian tapir, were put to sleep following a decline in their health.

Both animals had been facing increasing age-related health problems, which had been affecting their quality of life.

However, rather than risk one being left alone after the other’s passing, keepers chose to say goodbye to them together.

Animal duo dies on the same day

“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 euthanize both animals on Friday, 20 February, due to age-related health decline,” the zoo explained via an official news update.

“We made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize them together, ensuring neither animal would experience isolation following the loss of a companion.”

The pair had lived together in the zoo’s South American enclosure, where keepers said they formed a long-standing companionship.

Capybaras and tapirs are both known for their calm and social temperaments, which likely helped strengthen the bond between the two and explains why they became inseparable.

Al, the Brazilian tapir, belonged to a species classified as Vulnerable on the global conservation index that tracks the extinction risk of animal and plant species worldwide.

At 20 years old, he was considered elderly, with Brazilian Tapirs living to around 25 to 30 years in captivity under human care. Al’s capybara companion, Johnson, was also entering the later stages of life, with capybaras typically living around eight to 10 years in captivity.

“This has been an incredibly difficult loss for those who cared for them daily. Both animals were much-loved members of our zoo community, and their absence will be deeply felt by staff and visitors alike,” said the zoo. “We thank our visitors for their understanding and support at this difficult time.”