MN Zoo Celebrates Birth of First Tapir Calf in Two Decades

Members of England's Royal Family aren't the only ones celebrating the birth of a special baby.

According to CBS Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo welcomed the first Malayan tapir calf born in more than 20 years on Saturday, July 20.

The mother, named Bertie, and her new calf are doing well, CBS reported. The calf and its mother are not on exhibit now, but can be seen on a special webcam.

The following is part of a zoo press release on the birth:

“This birth is a great way to celebrate National Zookeeper Week and the dedication the staff have for these animals,” says Tom Ness, Tropics Trail supervisor. “Malayan Tapirs are an endangered species and every birth is important to the population.”

The Malayan tapir is one of the most endangered animals in Southeast Asia. Tapir populations are declining due to habitat loss from deforestation for agricultural purposes, flooding caused by dam building for hydroelectric projects, and illegal trade.

In human care, the Malayan tapir is managed for breeding purposes by a Species Survival Plan® (SSP), which, through the coordinated efforts of several zoos throughout the United States, helps maintain the captive gene pool for the future aid of the wild population. The Minnesota Zoo currently participates in 60 SSP programs, including the Malayan tapir SSP. The Zoo had 4 prior Malayan tapir births, the last one occurring in 1991.

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