Brazilian Tapir
- Sub-areas:
- Overview
- Keeper Questions
- Photos
- Adopters
Thanks for adopting one of our Brazilian Tapirs - it makes a big difference to the work we can do with animal conservation here at Marwell Wildlife!
This area collects all of the information that may be of use during your adoption - there's information, recent news stories, photos and useful downloads along with names of all the Brazilian Tapir's adopters
Why not take a look at the other animals that you can adopt whilst you're here?
In the wild
Scientific name: Tapirus terrestris
Status: Classified as Vulnerable
Distribution: Wide range throughout the rainforests of Tropical South America
Type: Mammal
Diet: Herbivore
At Marwell Wildlife
Marwell's three Brazilian tapirs eat a mixture of fruit, vegetables, concentrate pellets, hay and browse. They are laid back and friendly creatures that enjoy roaming around their field or swimming in their pool.
About Brazilian Tapirs
The Brazilian tapir, also known as the Lowland tapir, is mainly found in Tropical rainforests. Their most discernible feature is their flexible proboscis, which is made up of their nose and upper lip, and is used to strip vegetation and pluck fruits.
The tapir spends the day in cover and comes out at night to browse on vegetation. They are good swimmers and spend a lot of time in water to avoid predators.
Tapirs are generally solitary unless they are mating. The tapir calf has a unique appearance, with white spots and stripes patterning their dark coats and are often referred to as 'humbug striped'! The calf stays with the mother for up to 7 months before it is fully independent.
The main threat for Brazilian tapirs is loss of habitat from deforestation and competition with domestic livestock. Due to their large size, they are also being increasingly hunted for game meat is South America, and their hides can be used to make sandals.
Latest Brazilian Tapir news:
- Meet our Tapirs
Rio's parents Summer, 8 years old, and Ronaldo, 7 years old, arrived at Marwell in March 2009. They have settled in very quickly, and have formed a lovely family unit with the addition of Rio in July! Summer is fairly nervous and jumpy, while Ronaldo, nicknamed Ronnie, is a lot more laid back and will happily roll on his back for a tummy tickle from the keepers!
All the tapirs love bananas, which they get as a special treat as part of their diet!
- New arrival!
We are celebrating the recent birth of another baby tapir at Marwell. Baby girl Quito (pronounced ki-to) was born on the 2nd September to mum Summer and dad Ronaldo.
Summer, Ronaldo, Rio and Quito make a lovely family unit, and can usually be found snoozing together in the sun in their paddock, or inside their house!
We will keep you updated on Quito's progress, and photos will be available soon
- Live webcam!
A live webcam is situated in the large paddock shared by the Tapirs and the Pygmy Hippos. So if you ever wondered just what the Tapirs get up to all day, now you can find out! The webcam is available on our website- see if you can spot mum Summer her daughter Quito!
- Rio - Ronaldo and Summer's eldest daughter, Rio has departed Marwell for Dublin Zoo
- Ronaldo - sadly, our male Brazilian Tapir, Ronaldo has died. He is survived by his mate Summer and their daughter Quito
Stay up-to-date
Check out all the latest news from across Marwell Wildlife on our latest news page, Facebook page or Twitter feed.
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Adopt more animals at Marwell Wildlife
We offer adoption packages for lots of our other animals.
Adoptions are ideal if you need a quick present for animal loving friends or family, or if you simply want to help us further in our conservation work.
See the packages and animals which are available at Marwell Wildlife and adopt online here.