The secret zoo stone is again successful in breeding Malayan tapir. 1 second Malayan tapir puppy was born at our zoo on November 14, 2020 which is male. These young tapirs come from the same parent, namely Panda and male Mogi. Their first child was born in June 2018.
Our second child Malayan tapir was born weighing 8.6 kg. During the 14 months of pregnancy our animal department team always pays special attention, keepers always ensure daily care and provide food according to the needs of pregnant animals. Veterinarians carry out routine pregnancy control checks using ultrasonography (USG) to determine the development and health of the fetus and provide additional vitamins and minerals. We also prepare special cages for delivery equipped with CCTV for animal observation and monitoring of the birthing process. Tapir puppies are born normally at 01.43 WIB after the mother goes through a contraction process for approximately 1 hour. Tapir chicks began to stand up after 45 minutes but only received milk after being helped to feed to the brood by the keeper team.
Unlike adult tapirs, baby tapirs are born with a unique pattern of dark brown color and white spots all over the body. This pattern in nature serves as camouflage to avoid predators. The Malayan tapir population in the wild is threatened with extinction due to forest destruction and poaching. According to the IUCN, the population of Malayan tapirs in the forests of Sumatra Island is only 300-400 individuals. With the success of the Malayan tapir breeding at the Batu secret zoo, our conservation agency has played a role in the efforts to conserve this species.