14 DAY TRIAL // Staff at the Minnesota Zoo are besides themselves with joy. Just 5 days ago, on July 20, the animal sanctuary welcomed an adorable baby tapir (pictured above), and staff are doing their best to keep her happy and safe.
Sources say that it's been over 20 years since a baby tapir was last born at Minnesota Zoo, so it really shouldn't come as a surprise that this tiny female is getting loads of attention.
More so since she is not an ordinary tapir.
On the contrary, she is a Malayan tapir, which means that she is a representative of one of the most endangered animal species in Southeast Asia.
“This birth is a great way to celebrate National Zookeeper Week and the dedication the staff have for these animals. Malayan Tapirs are an Endangered species and every birth is important to the population,” zoo employee Tom Ness commented on the birth of this bundle of joy.
The tapir calf will spend the following days bonding with her mother, Bertie.
The two are presently off exhibit, and visitors to the zoo will only be allowed to see them once their keepers decide that the baby tapir has what it takes to handle all the commotion.