Here’s a good reason to run quick to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: On Feb. 2, a Malayan tapir calf was born at the zoo, only the second such birth in the zoo’s 120-year history happened. This baby is a rare and endangered Malayan tapir calf .
The newborn is covered in distinctive white spots and stripes and zookeepers say the calf resembles “a tiny, walking watermelon.” The baby appears to healthy at about 20 pounds and its mother, 10-year-old, 900-pound Yuna, is in good condition according to the zoo’s Head Veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf. The calf’s father, Baku, is also 10 years old.
The newborn, who resembles a tiny, walking watermelon, is considered healthy. (Image: PDZA)
Zoo officials warned that the calf won’t be out in the Asian Forest Sanctuary for a while. Instead it will be nursing and bonding with Yuna under the observation of the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams. The calf will receive a veterinary checkup after allowing time for the newborn and Yuna to bond. Visitors should be able to get a peek at the young tapir calf later this spring. The zoo has not yet released the calf’s sex and name but plan to do so soon.
“We’re thrilled to witness this incredible moment and watch the calf grow,” said Curator Telena Welsh.
It weighs around 20 pounds, a stark contrast to its mom, who almost weighs 900 pounds, and dad, around 800 pounds. (Image: PDZA)
Tapir calves typically nurse for about six months and stay with their mothers for 12 to 18 months. Their gestation period lasts an impressive 13 to 14 months. Yuna and Baku were paired as part of the Species Survival Plan®, a program that helps ensure the genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of Malayan tapirs in human care.
And what about that watermelon coat on the baby? Tapir calves are compared to the melons because of their blackish-brown color with white stripes and spots. The color and marking help them blend into their surroundings. As adults, tapirs have distinct black heads and long snouts with varying colors along their bodies.
Zoo guests can look forward to seeing the young tapir calf later this spring. (Image: PDZA)
Malayan tapirs are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with populations declining due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and human development. Native to Southeast Asia, these gentle herbivores play a crucial role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds and maintaining forest diversity.
For updates on the calf and other zoo news, visit pdza.org or follow us on social media.
