Hertfordshire Zoo, a popular attraction known for its appearance in the CBBC series 'One Zoo Three', is celebrating the birth of a rare lowland tapir calf. The male calf, born on 8 July 2026, is the first of its species to arrive at the zoo in 14 years, providing a significant boost to international conservation efforts.
The newborn is the offspring of mother Fifi, who arrived at the zoo in January this year as part of the European ex-situ breeding programme. This programme, coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, aims to manage and protect vulnerable species outside of their natural habitats. Fifi's pregnancy lasted approximately 430 days, or 14 months, and staff reported the calf was able to stand within just ten minutes of its birth.
Lowland tapirs have been classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2002. Data from the IUCN indicates a stark decline in their population, with numbers falling by over 30% in the past 33 years. This decrease is primarily attributed to widespread deforestation, illegal hunting, and road collisions in their native South American habitats.
Tyler Whitnall, managing director of Hertfordshire Zoo, located near Broxbourne, emphasised the importance of the new arrival. He stated that the birth 'represents hope for a species that is under increasing pressure in the wild.' Mr Whitnall also highlighted the zoo's long-standing commitment to conservation, noting their support for the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative, an organisation dedicated to safeguarding the future of lowland tapirs in South America.
The birth not only brings excitement to the zoo but also underscores the crucial role modern zoological institutions play in global conservation strategies. By participating in breeding programmes and supporting in-situ initiatives, zoos like Hertfordshire Zoo contribute directly to the genetic diversity and survival prospects of endangered and vulnerable species worldwide.