Mourning at Duisburg Zoo! After Alfonso the tapir battled his illness, the zoo announced on Sunday (October 13) that he had died.
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The Duisburg Zoo reports on Facebook that Alfonso died at the ripe old age of 27. The tapir had already been battling an illness in the past few weeks and therefore always had to be treated by the zoo’s veterinarians. Despite the vets’ best attempts, Alfonso’s life could not be saved.
Duisburg Zoo: Alfonso leaves a gap
As the Duisburg Zoo team explains, “Alfonso leaves a gap.” Especially with his carers, who have looked after him for years. They describe the tapir as “open-minded”, “friendly” and, above all, a “great father”.
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Alfonso was born in the zoo in Osnabrück. He had lived at the Duisburg Zoo since 1998 and thrilled both visitors to the zoo and the keepers with his special style. The tapir also became a father with his partner Bowasi and the two welcomed their son Pepone.
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Alfonso had a very special relationship with his son, because after his mother Bowasi died, Alfonso raised him alone. In recent years he lived with his son Pepone at the Duisburg Zoo.
A partner is currently being sought for son Pepone
The Duisburg Zoo is currently in contact with the European Conservation Breeding Program to find a possible partner for Pepone. Hopefully this will help him get over the loss of Alfonso.
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Even as Duisburg Zoo looks to the future, Alfonso will always leave a big gap. In an obituary on Facebook, the zoo writes about the tapir: “A character animal of our zoo that will be missed by everyone.” The zoo sadly ends the post with the words: “Take care, old friend.”
