Rare Tapir Takes First Steps After Being Born at Zoo
The birth follows a 14-year gap for the species at the zoo, and keepers say the calf is doing well under close supervision.
- On Wednesday, July 8, Hertfordshire Zoo welcomed a healthy male lowland tapir calf, marking the facility's first birth of its kind in 14 years. The newborn stood unaided within 10 minutes and soon nursed from his mother, Fifi.
- Following a 430-day pregnancy, 20-year-old Fifi delivered her fourth calf. She arrived at the zoo in January as part of the European Ex-Situ Breeding Programme, remaining under close observation by the animal care team.
- Classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the species faces threats from habitat loss and deforestation. The calf sports cream-coloured stripes and spots that mimic dappled rainforest light, a pattern that will gradually fade as he develops his adult coat.
- Often called 'gardeners of the forest,' tapirs disperse seeds through their droppings, maintaining biodiversity. Hertfordshire Zoo supports the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative in Brazil, with Managing Director Tyler Whitnall calling the birth a 'proud moment' for the facility.
- Every visit to Hertfordshire Zoo helps sustain projects aimed at safeguarding endangered species and raising public awareness. The facility's broader mission includes funding conservation, education, and breeding programs worldwide to protect threatened wildlife long-term.
14 Articles
14 Articles
First lowland tapir calf born in 14 years at Hertfordshire Zoo
First lowland tapir calf in 14 years welcomed at UK zoo
Hertfordshire Zoo in the UK has welcomed its first lowland tapir calf in 14 years following a successful breeding programme. The calf was born following a 430-day pregnancy, and didn't waste any time getting on its feet as it was standing in 10 minutes. Hertfordshire Zoo had already welcomed a new tapir back in January of this year, as it announced the arrival of Fifi, a female who already has plenty of experience raising calves. As per Sky New…
The Hertfordshire Zoo, in the United Kingdom, has welcomed its first lowland tapir herb in 14 years, thanks to the success of a breeding program. The herb was born after a 430-day gestation and it took no time to stand up, as it rose in just 10 minutes. The Hertfordshire Zoo had already welcomed a new tappira in January of this year, when it announced the arrival of Fifi, a female who already has a lot of experience breeding offspring. According…
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