Authorities are hoping to learn more about what happened in the days before a beloved swan died at UNR earlier this year.

Prosecutors are hoping that a video might provide evidence on whether Zeus was allegedly abused approximately five days before his death. 

Zeus' increasing sickness is allegedly what allowed possible suspects to get close to him.

UNR previously announced that Zeus died of natural causes - and that no trauma was found after the mute animal was found dead in March. 

Reno City Attorney Karl Hall tells 2 News Nevada that a necropsy shows that Zeus' body was filled with parasites and sand he had eaten. The report says no physical injuries were found. 

The City says UNR has had technical issues in getting the video delivered, so they do not know whether it definitely shows alleged abuse previously reported. 

JULY 21, 2025

The University of Nevada says Zeus, the swan that lived on campus, died of natural causes this past March. 

UNR released this statement: 

After a comprehensive necropsy by the Necropsy Services Group based in Davis, Calif., it has been found that Zeus, the mute swan who lived at the University of Nevada, Reno campus, died in March of natural causes, and there were no signs of trauma found.  

MARCH 12, 2025 

On Wednesday University of Nevada, Reno students spoke on how the campus is feeling about Zeus the swan's death.

Students say they first heard about the news either through other students or on UNR's social media.

Kellen Bruchia, a UNR student says "You go around on campus you find out how important he really was and just all the students talking about it, but it really sucks, but yeah definitely word of mouth."

Griffin Merritt, another UNR student tells us "I mean it meant a lot especially to the older kids on campus just because they've been around it and there are so many back stories and history about it." 

Even though a lot of the students we spoke to today were freshmen, they told us they know how important the swan was to the University and the older students who have known Zeus for a long time.

They also shared some of their fond memories with us about their interactions with Zeus.

Aidan Hickey, another UNR student tells us "One time he was crossing the street and a bunch of cars stopped and I thought it was kind of funny and he seemed pretty chill doing it, so it was pretty funny kind cool."

Merritt adds "When it first started getting cold here and the lake froze over me and my buddy, we went to mess with the ice and we saw the swan so it was fun to hang out with it and when we're at the overlook getting food or breakfast you look out the window and often times see it swimming around."

Kellen Bruchia says "He was pretty important. I mean all the students are pretty mad about it and I understand why. He was pretty important and a nice symbol for our campus and a nice calming part of our campus."

Merritt also says "It seemed to be an iconic thing for a lot of the students here, definitely meant a lot to a lot of people."

It's not yet known how Zeus died, however there are rumors online regarding his death.

University Police have yet to get back to us with comment on the investigation.

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MARCH 11 UPDATE:

The University of Nevada, Reno has released a statement regarding the death of Zeus, the white mute swan who lived on Manzanita Lake on campus:

"The University of Nevada, Reno is taking the reports surrounding the death of Zeus very seriously and there is currently an open investigation into the issue. If anyone has information about the death of Zeus, we encourage you to report it immediately to University Police."

Original Story (3/10/2025, 3:00 p.m.):

The University of Nevada, Reno, has revealed the death of Zeus, a swan that called the University campus home.

Zeus lived on Manzanita Lake, grazing there and providing students, faculty, staff, and community members a sense of peace in watching him, the University said in a post on Facebook.

The University called him a symbol of tranquility for the campus.

Zeus was a male white mute swan and a longtime campus resident.

The University said he will be greatly missed.