Mahal the orangutan died from a tapeworm infection

Published May 20, 2013 8:32 PM CDT

MILWAUKEE CO. (WITI) -- The Milwaukee County Zoo confirms the orangutan youngster who died unexpectedly in December 2012 died from a tapeworm infection.

Zookeepers originally believed Mahal died from pneumonia as orangutans are susceptible to this serious respiratory condition, just as humans.

Mahal was 5 years old.