Jupiter is the first animal to succumb to COVID-19 at the Columbus Zoo.
Jupiter, a 14-year-old Amur tiger, died on Sunday, June 26, 2022, after contracting pneumonia caused by the COVID-19 virus. Jupiter had been receiving long-term treatment for chronic underlying illnesses, making him more vulnerable to this virus.
The care team for Jupiter reported that he was acting unwell on Wednesday, June 22. He had no urge to eat, and he was averse to standing up, moving, or interacting with keepers. Jupiter was put under anesthesia for evaluation and treatment when this carried over into the following day.
Immediate examinations revealed an infection, and treatment was initiated. Jupiter, however, did not improve with this treatment and remained hesitant to move and eat. The next day, he received additional treatments and underwent additional diagnostic testing. Jupiter died unexpectedly, despite the fact that he appeared to be in good health.
On July 9, 2007, a baby named Jupiter was born in the Moscow Zoo. He spent time at the Zoo Dvur Kralove in the Czech Republic before arriving on March 19, 2015, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Six of the nine cubs he fathered were born at the Columbus Zoo, ensuring the survival of this critically endangered species.
The care team for Jupiter recalls him as a large and majestic tiger who enjoyed fish, dozing in the habitat’s cave, playing with cardboard boxes, and engaging with a 75-pound firehouse «plus sign,» which he carried around like it weighed nothing. Jupiter also loved to contact this item. The trust they developed with Jupiter over time through training and how he was consistently nice with the female tigers, Mara and Natasha, are other fond memories shared by his care team.
There will be a void left by Jupiter.
