The South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris), is the largest and heaviest land mammal in the Amazon rainforest, reaching up to 250 kilograms. With its flexible snout and herbivorous diet, it roams long distances feeding on leaves, shoots, and fruits, dispersing thousands of seeds that give life to new trees. Jaguars, caimans, and anacondas are among its main predators. When threatened, its instinct leads it to seek refuge in the water, where it reveals itself as a surprisingly skilled swimmer.

CUTENESS ALERT! We have an exciting new arrival, a baby tapir has been born and its the first in the UK this year. First-time parents Al and Emily have taken to parenthood, but are having a problem that many human parents will recognise – she won’t eat all her vegetables! Read more here: https://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/explore/news/detail/zoos-baby-tapir-is-uk-first | Newquay Zoo

The mama tapir brought her baby by last night for the first time! #costarica #wildlifephotography #tapirs #tapiroftheday | Mike Melton Photography