Santa Barbara Zoo euthanizes capybara after finding inoperable mass on throat

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara Zoo sadly euthanized Poppy, an 8-year-old capybara, Friday after finding an inoperable mass on her throat that made eating and breathing difficult.

Poppy lived past the normal life expectancy for capybaras in the wild as many capybaras live up to seven years, according to the SB Zoo.

The SB Zoo's other capybara, Antonio, is four years old and is suffering from a rare blood cancer diagnosis.

Antonio is receiving chemotherapy for treatment alongside special care and testing over the last two months, according to SB Zoo officials.

Antonio's successful diagnosis of multiple myeloma marks the first in a living capybara at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility, according to SB Zoo officials.

Poppy's passing marks a string of recent tragedies at the SB Zoo after beloved red panda Ruby and her two cubs died in July.