Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Euthanized Mountain Tapir Mochi
The 27-year-old animal was euthanized following a rapid decline in health due to age-related complications.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Wildlife
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs has euthanized Mochi, a 27-year-old mountain tapir. The zoo made the decision after the animal experienced a rapid decline in health related to old age.
Why it matters
The death leaves only two mountain tapirs in United States zoos, both of which currently reside at the Los Angeles Zoo. Mochi was a significant figure for the facility, which has housed the species almost continuously since 1995.
Mochi died at age 27 after returning to the Colorado Springs facility in 2023. Visitors and members previously contributed over $135,000 to support wild tapir conservation and field studies in Ecuador.
The players
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This Colorado Springs facility is an AZA-accredited zoo known for its mountain tapir conservation efforts.
Mochi
Mochi was a 27-year-old mountain tapir and a long-time resident of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Los Angeles Zoo
This facility is currently the only zoo in the United States housing the remaining two mountain tapirs.
The details
Mochi first lived at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo from 2000 until 2014 before returning to Colorado Springs in 2023. The facility has maintained a commitment to the species since 1995, utilizing public contributions to fund vital conservation research in Ecuador.
Timeline
The zoo began housing mountain tapirs in 1995.
Mochi lived at the facility from 2000 to 2014.
Mochi returned to the zoo in 2023.
Mochi was euthanized on September 15, 2026.
Roadmap
The loss of Mochi underscores the challenges of maintaining rare, endangered populations within the framework of the AZA Species Survival Plan. As captive numbers dwindle, the importance of field-based conservation work like the zoo's efforts in Ecuador becomes increasingly vital.
Visitors to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will no longer see the mountain tapir as part of the current collection. The facility continues to emphasize the impact of past public contributions on ongoing conservation work in Ecuador.
The takeaway
Mochi served as a crucial ambassador for mountain tapir conservation and public engagement. His long life highlights the lasting impact of zoo-led research and community-funded global conservation initiatives.
Further reading
Learn more about local Wildlife conservation efforts and regional animal news.
