Rare tapir takes first steps after being born at zoo
By Ed Chatterton
An adorable baby lowland tapir resembling a "tiny watermelon" has been born at a UK zoo.
The rare male calf arrived at mother Fifi at Hertfordshire Zoo on July 8 following a remarkable 430-day pregnancy.
The birth is being hailed as a major conservation milestone for the threatened species which is listed as "vulnerable" in the wild.
The newborn was standing within just 10 minutes of birth before successfully taking its first crucial feed from its mother.
It is the first time a lowland tapir calf has been born at the zoo, which is based in Broxbourne, Herts., in 14 years.
Mom Fifi, 20, arrived the attraction in January as part of European breeding programme and is said to have settled into motherhood "beautifully."
Tyler Whitnall, managing director of Hertfordshire Zoo, said "Welcoming our first lowland tapir calf in 14 years is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at Hertfordshire Zoo.
"And Fifi is proving to be an exceptional mom already. This birth represents hope for a species that is under increasing pressure in the wild.
"Hertfordshire Zoo has been a long term supporter of the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative, who are helping protect the future of lowland tapirs in South America."
Both mother and baby are said to be doing well but at just over a week old, they will be under the close supervision of the zoo's keepers.
Newborn lowland tapirs display a striking appearance that differs entirely from the solid, dark grey coats of adults.
Calves are born covered in vivid cream stripes and spots, mimicking the appearance of a small watermelon.
In the wild, these markings provide vital camouflage by mimicking the dappled light of the rainforest floor.
The distinctive pattern will gradually fade over the coming months as the calf develops its adult coat.
Lowland tapirs are currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, facing severe threats from habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and hunting.
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This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 8:03 AM.