It’s a special day at a zoo in Hertfordshire celebrating the first birth of its kind for 14 years.
A new lowland tapir calf was born after a 430-day pregnancy.
They’re under pressure in the wild because of predators, habitat loss and slow reproduction rates.
Hertfordshire Zoo said the calf, which hasn’t been named yet, was on his feet in ten minutes
Lowland tapirs are currently classified as vulnerable on the International Union of Conservation of Nature’s Red List, due to deforestation and habitat loss.
Watch: The newborn explores his surroundings at Hertfordshire Zoo.
The calf’s mother is a 20 year old tapir, called Fifi who was pregnant for over a year.
This is her fourth calf, and the zoo say that both mother and baby are doing exceptionally well, but will be kept under close supervision.
Fifi with zookeeper James. Credit: Hertfordshire Zoo
Tyler Whitnall, Managing Director of Hertfordshire Zoo, said:
“Welcoming our first lowland tapir calf in 14 years is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at Hertfordshire Zoo. And Fifi is proving to be an exceptional mum already.
“This birth represents hope for a species that is under increasing pressure in the wild.
“Hertfordshire Zoo has been a long term supporter of the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative, who are helping protect the future of lowland tapirs in South America.”
The newborn calf out and about at Hertfordshire Zoo. Credit: Hertfordshire Zoo
Newborn lowland tapirs are born covered in vivid cream stripes and spots, this differs completely from the dark grey coats of adults.
In the wild, the stripes and spots provide vital camouflage by mimicking the dappled light of the rainforest floor.
The distinctive pattern will gradually fade over the coming months as the calf develops its adult coat.
Often referred to as the ‘gardeners of the forest’, tapirs play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems through seed dispersal.
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