Malayan tapir

The Malayan tapir has a dramatic coat pattern, often referred to as the "saddle" pattern because of its position and shape. The front half of their body and hind legs are black, while the sides are white. This breaks up its outline and creates an illusive vision of a boulder.

Which is why you might find it a challenge to spot our tapirs in their exhibit at the Zoo. Especially if they’re keeping still. Even if they’re right smack in front of you. Be patient and look again!

Newborn calves are even more elusive than adults. Their coat is streaked with white spots and stripes, keeping them well-camouflaged on the sun-dappled forest floor. It’s their only chance against predators like tigers or leopards, till they’re strong enough to keep up with Mum on her foraging trips. Calves start on solids at two weeks and can swim when three weeks old. By this time, they’re following their mothers everywhere - resting, investigating and swimming together.

Tapirs are fast and agile swimmers. You might see our tapirs taking a dip in the pond in their exhibit, to cool off or wash away skin parasites.

Tapirs are known to walk along riverbeds, holding their breath for up to 90 seconds. Alternatively, they use their trunk as a snorkel!

The trunk also works like a hand to bring food to the mouth and to probe unfamiliar objects. The exhibit is planted with all manner of shrubs, shoots and leaves for our tapirs to munch on.