![\"Tapir](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SEI_286592184-1986.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe capybara and tapir were the best of friends (Picture: Newquay Zoo)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tThe capybara and tapir were the best of friends (Picture: Newquay Zoo)<\/p>\n
Zoo\u00a0fans were left in tears after two inseparable animal pals were put to sleep on the same day, so neither would have to face life alone.<\/p>\n
Keepers at\u00a0Newquay\u00a0Zoo\u00a0in Cornwall<\/a> made the tough call to euthanise Johnson, a nine-year-old capybara, and Al, a 20-year-old Brazilian tapir, after both suffered age-related health<\/a> problems.<\/p>\n Staff said the decision was taken to spare the devoted duo from isolation if one passed before the other.<\/p>\n The pair were favourites of visitors and had formed a touching bond in their South American enclosure.<\/p>\n A\u00a0zoo\u00a0spokesperson explained that capybaras and tapirs are naturally calm, social animals \u2013 and over the years, Al and Johnson had become inseparable.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up for all of the latest stories\t\t\t<\/p>\n Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates<\/a> newsletter or get Breaking News<\/a> alerts the moment it happens. <\/p>\n \t\t Both had battled health challenges in recent months, which had affected their quality of life.<\/p>\n A zoo spokesperson said: \u2018This has been an incredibly difficult loss for those who cared for them daily.<\/p>\n \u2018It was difficult for us to say goodbye to them both at the same time, but it was the kindest thing for them.<\/p>\n \u2018Both animals were much-loved members of our\u00a0zoo\u00a0community, and their absence will be deeply felt by staff and visitors alike.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Johnson was born in 2016 at Chester<\/a>\u00a0Zoo\u00a0and arrived at\u00a0Newquay\u00a0Zoo\u00a0in 2017, where his \u2018cheeky yet gentle personality\u2019 made him a star.<\/p>\n Al was born in 2005 at Gdansk\u00a0Zoo\u00a0and joined\u00a0Newquay\u00a0Zoo\u00a0in 2014. He was known for his calm temperament. <\/p>\n The emotional news comes after\u00a0Newquay\u00a0Zoo\u00a0was bought by Dutch leisure giant Lib\u00e9ma in December.<\/p>\n The Cornish attraction \u2013 along with Paignton\u00a0Zoo\u00a0in Devon<\/a> \u2013 had previously been put up for sale amid soaring operating costs.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"tapir](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SEI_286592673-23f6.jpg\")
\n\t\tAl and Johnson bonded in their enclosure (Picture: Newquay Zoo)<\/p>\n![\"tapir](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SEI_286592185-f2eb.jpg\")
\n\t\tBoth were suffering from health issues (Picture: Newquay Zoo)<\/p>\n
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