Santa Barbara Zoo euthanizes senior capybara

The Santa Barbara Zoo has euthanized Poppy, an 8-year-old capybara, after veterinarians discovered an inoperable mass in her throat. The mass severely obstructed her airway, making it difficult for her to breathe and eat. Following diagnostic tests including a CT scan and endoscopic examination, zoo officials determined that surgical removal was not possible and chose humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.

Poppy, who was considered geriatric for her species, was born at the Greater Vancouver Zoo in 2018. The zoo is also managing health issues with its other capybara, a 4-year-old named Antonio. Antonio has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and has begun chemotherapy and corticosteroid treatment to manage the condition.