Tiger Dies At Columbus Zoo After Falling Ill With COVID-19, Pneumonia

COLUMBUS, OH — An Amur tiger named died Sunday at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium after developing pneumonia caused by COVID-19.

Jupiter, the first animal at the zoo to succumb to COVID-19, was undergoing long-term treatment for chronic underlying illnesses that made him more vulnerable to the coronavirus, the zoo said in a Facebook post.

Jupiter fell ill June 22. Caretakers said he wasn't eating and appeared reluctant to stand, move or interact with keepers. The following day, the tiger was sedated When this continued into the next day, Jupiter was anesthetized and examined. Exams indicated he had an infection, and doctors started treatment.

"Unfortunately, Jupiter did not improve with this treatment and remained reluctant to move and eat," the zoo said. "The following day, he was given additional treatments and had more diagnostic testing. Although he appeared stable, Jupiter passed away overnight."

Zoo staff who work with cats, great apes and mustelids such as otters and wolverines must now wear masks when near the animals as a precaution, the zoo said. These animals are more susceptible to COVID-19.

Jupiter was born at the Moscow Zoo on July 9, 2007. He was moved to Columbus in March 2015 after spending time at the Zoo Dvur Kralove in the Czech Republic. He sired nine cubs — six of which were born at the Columbus Zoo — and helped the future of this endangered species.

"Jupiter's care team remembers him as a big and impressive tiger who loved fish, sleeping in the habitat’s cave, playing with cardboard boxes, and interacting with another favorite item—a 75-pound firehouse 'plus sign' that was heavy for keepers to move but something he carried around like it weighed nothing," the zoo said.

He was also remembered for being very friendly with female tigers Mara and Natasha.

"Jupiter will be greatly missed," the zoo said.

Commenters shared photos and memories of the tiger in the comment section of the zoo's announcement.

"He was a beautiful tiger," one commenter wrote. "I remember the first time my family saw him after he arrived at the zoo, we were so shocked about how loud he was!! I’m so sorry for your loss."

Others called him "incredibly charismatic," "a majestic animal," and an "icon."

"I remember when he came and how important he was for his species! For those 6 cubs to be the only ones in the US with his genetic marker is amazing! My heart goes out to the team," another commenter wrote.