After a pregnancy lasting almost thirteen months, we’re thrilled to announce that our Brazilian Tapir ‘Tiggy’ has finally given birth. The baby boy arrived safe and well on Saturday 30th May and has been warmly welcomed by proud father ‘Woody’. This is the couple’s second son and will provide a younger brother for ‘Henry’, born in early 2008.

As with all Brazilian or Lowland tapirs (tapirus terrestris), ‘Edward’ has been born with distinct camouflage stripes. These will quickly disappear as his dark brown coat becomes fully grown at around six months of age. Reaching a body length of up to 2.5 metres, adults stand between 0.77 and 1.08 metres at shoulder height and are the largest wild land mammals living in South America.

With a life spanning between 25 and 30 years, this endangered species is often found in the Amazon Rainforest and River Basin. Running towards water when scared, they’re excellent swimmers and divers, but also move quickly on land, even over rugged, mountainous terrain. Using their highly flexible, snorkel-like snouts, Brazilian tapirs enjoy a diverse diet of leaves, buds, shoots, fruit, grasses and aquatic plants.

Everyone at Flamingo Land is delighted to welcome ‘Eddie’, and are pleased to report that both mum and baby are doing well. Later this month he’ll be captivating visitors with his first public appearance, but if you can’t wait that long, behind-the-scenes footage is now available on Flamingo Land TV.

Like to know more about our Tapirs? visit the Brazilian Tapir page…