Animal Asbestos Exposure at Minnesota Zoo: Dari the Tiger Dies of Mesothelioma

Minnesota Zoo’s Dari the Tiger Dies of Mesothelioma: Dari’s Story and Animal Asbestos Exposure

Sundari, affectionately known as Dari, was a 13-year-old female Amur tiger at the Minnesota Zoo. She was a key figure in the zoo’s conservation mission and a vital part of the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Her passing, suspected to be due to animal asbestos exposure, is a significant loss not only to the zoo but to tiger conservation efforts globally.

Dari left a strong legacy through her cubs, Vera, Brosno, Vostok, Yana, and the most recent additions, Amaliya and Andrei. These births represented critical progress in protecting endangered tigers from threats like habitat loss, poaching, and environmental hazards.

In July 2025, Dari was humanely euthanized after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable cancer most often linked to asbestos exposure in humans. Although extremely rare in non-human species, cases of mesothelioma in animals, including tigers, have been documented and raise growing concerns.

Dari’s diagnosis brings attention to the reality of animal asbestos exposure in animals, especially those living in environments with aging infrastructure. Her story also raises an important question for pet owners and animal caretakers: if a tiger can get mesothelioma, could house pets be at risk for asbestos dangers too? While rare, the possibility exists, particularly in homes or facilities where asbestos-containing materials are present.

Mesothelioma in animals is rare but not impossible. Dari’s story is a powerful reminder of the silent dangers that asbestos still poses to both humans and animals.

Could Dari’s Mesothelioma Be Linked to Specific Exposures or Genetics?

Dari’s case of Amur tiger mesothelioma is almost certainly linked to environmental exposure. In both humans and animals, asbestos is the primary known cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases in places where animals are kept in older buildings or enclosures that may still contain asbestos-based materials such as insulation, flooring, or roofing. Over time, these materials can deteriorate and release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.

Animal asbestos exposure usually occurs through inhalation of airborne fibers in poorly ventilated or confined areas. Although rare, several cases of mesothelioma in animals have been linked to this type of exposure. Dari likely lived in an area where asbestos was present and eventually absorbed enough to trigger this aggressive cancer.

There is no direct veterinary evidence linking mesothelioma in animals to known gene mutations like BAP1, which are well-studied in humans. However, the possibility of genetic predisposition cannot be ruled out. As more long-lived captive species are monitored, researchers may uncover genetic factors that increase susceptibility to asbestos-related diseases.

Although genetics may one day be part of the equation, environmental exposure remains the most credible explanation for Dari’s diagnosis. Her case highlights the continued asbestos dangers in older zoo environments and calls for better monitoring and asbestos remediation efforts to prevent future cases of animal mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma in Animals

Mesothelioma in animals often presents vague symptoms, which can delay diagnosis. If your pet has been exposed to asbestos or lives in an environment where asbestos might be present, watch for the following warning signs:

• Cough or rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Lethargy or noticeable fatigue
• Decreased appetite or sudden weight loss
• Vomiting or gastrointestinal distress
• Depression or unusual behavior changes
• Difficulty moving or signs of stiffness
• Swollen abdomen or scrotum
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Hematochezia (bloody stool)
• Fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen
• Irregular heartbeat or muffled breathing
• Insomnia or restlessness
• Signs of heart failure
• Dehydration or excessive thirst

If any of these symptoms appear and asbestos exposure is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Mesothelioma in animals progresses quickly and can be fatal without early intervention.

Other Known Animals Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

Although extremely rare, mesothelioma in animals has been documented in several species, proving that asbestos dangers are not limited to humans. Reported cases include domestic dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and zoo animals like lions.

One notable case involved a lion diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma after years in a zoo enclosure. In Italy, a domestic boar developed malignant peritoneal mesothelioma after long-term exposure. Another study shows that eight beef cattle developed mesothelioma in a pasture suspected to be contaminated with asbestos.

In the United Kingdom, a dog died from mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos insulation that had been discarded in a residential area. These examples demonstrate how easily animal asbestos exposure can occur, even in everyday settings.

Perhaps most concerning is the implication that if animals are becoming ill due to asbestos, nearby humans may also be at risk. Dari’s case of Amur tiger mesothelioma and other rare tiger cancer causes show that the danger is very real, even in controlled environments like zoos.

Animal mesothelioma is a serious warning signal. Whether in domestic spaces, farms, or wildlife enclosures, animal asbestos exposure reveals the urgent need for proactive measures to eliminate these invisible risks.

How to Reduce Asbestos Exposure for Pets and Wildlife

Asbestos exposure in animals is preventable, but only if caregivers take the proper steps. Like in humans, mesothelioma in animals develops slowly but progresses rapidly, often ending in a terminal diagnosis. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. 

Here are the best ways to reduce animal asbestos exposure:

• Keep pets away from construction sites, old buildings, and demolition areas.
  
• Avoid home renovations unless asbestos testing and removal are completed first.
  
• Never let pets roam in homes or facilities built before the 1980s without inspection.
  
• Use personal protective equipment during DIY work to avoid carrying asbestos fibers home.
  
• Shower and change clothes before interacting with pets after working in jobs at risk for asbestos exposure, such as construction, mining, or demolition.
  
• If your pet chews on walls or insulation, get the material tested for asbestos.
  
• Consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect asbestos exposure or observe respiratory issues.

Zoo and wildlife facilities must prioritize asbestos risk assessments and take action during renovations or habitat updates. Even brief exposure can be enough to cause animal mesothelioma.

Protecting animals from asbestos dangers also protects humans. Taking action today can prevent future diagnoses of mesothelioma in animals and reduce long-term health risks for everyone.

How Can You Honor Dari and Prevent Cancer in Animals?

Dari’s story is more than a personal loss. It is a wake-up call about the hidden asbestos dangers animals face, especially in human-managed environments. Amur tiger mesothelioma is extremely rare, but it shows what can happen when safety standards fall short.

While it has not been confirmed, many experts believe Dari developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in her zoo habitat. This reflects a broader problem. Many animal facilities still contain asbestos materials that can break down and release fibers into the air. Animal asbestos exposure may be rare, but it is entirely preventable.

Veterinarians and conservationists urge zoos, shelters, and even pet owners to follow rigorous safety protocols, especially when maintaining older buildings. Environmental oversight is essential, not just for endangered species like Amur tigers, but for all animals in human care.

To honor Dari’s legacy, support organizations that prioritize animal health and safe environments. Advocate for policy changes that strengthen asbestos regulations in animal spaces. Promote education on animal mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Protecting animals from asbestos exposure is a responsibility we all share. When we eliminate these risks for animals, we are also creating safer spaces for people. If you or a loved one is experiencing mesothelioma side effects like Dari,  learn more about mesothelioma symptoms and emerging treatment options.