“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,” he added.
The calf was born on 8 July after mother Fifi’s 430-day (14 months) pregnancy. Zoo staff said he was able to stand within 10 minutes of birth.
Fifi arrived at the zoo in January as part of the European ex-situ breeding programme, which is coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
According to the IUCN, the lowland tapir population has fallen by more than 30% over the past 33 years.
It links the decline to deforestation, illegal hunting and road collisions.
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