World Tapir Day

World Tapir Day takes place each year on the 27th April. The aim of having a special day just for Tapirs is to draw peoples attention to the Tapir, a beautiful and unusual looking animal with whom we share our planet. Like so many animals the Tapir is threatened by the damage man is doing to the planet.

Tapirs are popular animals and have a lot of fans, people who devote time, energy and cash to fund research and ensure the survival of the Tapir so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.

There are four species of living Tapirs:

• Baird's Tapir
• Lowland Tapir
• Mountain Tapir

All three of which come from South America. And:

• Malayan Tapir

Which comes from South East Asia.

The Lowland Tapir is classed as a VULNERABLE species. The other three are ENDANGERED. They need our help, our protection, our awareness to ensure they survive.

You can learn more about Tapirs and what you can do to raise awareness if you visit the Official World Tapir Day Website. You could also visit your local zoo. Check out if they have Tapirs, where they come from, what they eat and more. Time permitting Keepers are only too happy to answer your questions.

 Tapirs are interesting animals to work with and very popular with staff who work in zoos.