Also known as Baird's Tapir, these animals are so rare that as of December 1993 only 56 Baird's Tapirs were held in 20 locations throughout the world. North America had 18 locations with 51 tapirs, while Asia had 2 locations with 5 tapirs. The tapirs at the Virginia Zoo have produced 3 offspring since 1991. During 1993 there were only 5 births reported, all in the U.S.Tapirs are native to the rainforests of South and Central America, where they eat many kinds of grasses and plants. The tapir's trunk, an extension of its upper lip and nose, helps it to grasp branches, sniff food and bring leaves to its mouth. Tapirs can weigh 600 pounds and stand four feet high at the shoulder. They live about 25 years. Tapirs are nocturnal animals, feeding and swimming at night. They live in rivers and run from trouble by sliding into the water. Tapirs are hunted for their meat and for their thick skin, which makes strong leather. They are easy to find because they always use the same trails through the forest. Habitat loss is another reason there are so few tapirs remaining.
A 22k jpeg of a young Baird's tapir at the swimming hole.
A 39K jpeg of an adult Baird's tapir and young, lying down to rest.
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