Dublin Zoo celebrates birth of tapir calf

Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of a Brazilian tapir. The male calf, born on July 1st to mum Rio and dad Marmaduke, is the breeding pair’s second calf.

He has a an older brother MJ, which stands for Marmaduke Junior, who was born at Dublin Zoo in June last year.

Team leader Eddie O’Brien said they are delighted with the new arrival.

“He is already getting on really well with his older brother MJ who is very protective of him. The calf was up and about quickly after he was born, he is already more adventurous than his older brother was at his age.”

Rio arrived at the zoo from

TRio arrived at the zoo from Marwell Wildlife in the UK two years ago to join Marmaduke, who had recently lost his long term female partner Hillary, who died.

The keepers were hopeful the pair would connect, and just over one year later their first calf was born.

Marmaduke has successfully fathered 18 tapir calves to date.

Brazilian tapirs

Tapir calves are born with a number of white spots and stripes which act as camouflage in the wild by mimicking the dappled sunlight on the forest floor. The markings disappear by the time the calves are about six months old.

These animals are active during the night and are found in the tropics of South and Central America. Tapirs have a short trunk, which they use to grab branches and leaves or to pluck fruit. They feed each morning and evening. They are excellent swimmers and can dive to feed on aquatic plants.

To celebrate the new arrival, Dublin Zoo is inviting people to suggest names for the male tapir calf based on his Brazilian origin. Suggestions will be accepted through the Dublin Zoo Facebook page, facebook.com/dublinzoo.