The tapir lives deep in the Brazilian rainforest where, because of the destruction of it's habitat and illegal hunting, it is becoming threatened with extinction. It is a shy creature taking to water when threatened where it is able to stay submerged for hours using its long nose to snorkel until such time it feels it is safe to surface. The natural diet of tapir is forest fruits and vegetation. Our tapir family are fed three times a day on a selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables with extra vitamins, pony nuts and hay. Their favourite is banana, apples, garlic and onions!

Unfortunately, the Brazilian tapir is already extinct in some parts of Brazil and the population in Columbia is critically endangered. Further research of the species is required to find the exact number of tapir in the wild. Destruction and fragmentation of their natural habitat weakens the species making them less likely to survive in the future.

Although the tapir looks like a cross between a pig and an elephant its closest relatives are horses, zebras and rhinos. Tapir are so well adapted to their rainforest environment that they have remained unchanged for about 30 million years. The adult colouring is a dark reddish brown but the offspring is covered in white spots and stripes which it will retain until about six months of age; this would provide a very efficient camouflage in the dappled shade of the forest.

Our adult pair, Shannon and Tanya, arrived here as babies in 1990; Shannon was born at Edinburgh Zoo and Tanya at Southport Zoo. Both are part of an European Breeding Programme aimed at saving them from extinction.

This calf, which we have called Tela (meaning Star) was born on 3rd March 2005 after the normal 13 month gestation. Shannon and Tanya have produced a total of eight calves at Linton and are now grandparents too.

Tapir are one of the keepers favourites. Docile and affectionate they love to be scratched and tickled; they hardly need to be touched before they roll over or collapse into a trance!

Although tapir have survived millions of years, living in harmony with nature, their future in the wild is by no means secure.