Closely related to horses and rhinos but more akin to a pig and miniature elephant in appearance, the Tapir is definitely one of Belize’s most fascinating animals. Did you know that there’s an entire day dedicated to these intriguing creatures? Every year, April 27th is observed as World Tapir Day in honor of advocating for their protection. While they are a protected species in Belize (and its national animal), the tapir is endangered, threatened by poaching, habitat loss, and vehicular collisions.
Similar: World Wildlife Day: An Ode to Belize’s Wildlife and Biodiversity
About the Baird’s Tapir
Feed tapirs at The Belize Zoo! Photo by Duarte Dellarole
Tapirs are large vegetarian mammals that roam mostly at night. There are four species in the world: the Lowland Tapir, the Baird’s Tapir, the Mountain Tapir, and the Malayan Tapir. Throughout Belize, tapirs are also colloquially referred to as mountain cows, though the country is home to the Baird’s Tapir. These cute forest dwellers can grow to be up to 300 – 500 pounds on average, making them the largest land mammal in Central and South America.
Tapirs eat a variety of seasonal fruits; when mango or fig trees come into season, tapirs can often be found underneath these trees, eating the fruits that fall from them, or are dropped by monkeys munching on fruit from above. The seeds of the fruits they eat are dispersed when they wander to a new location to deposit scat, and those seeds later sprout and grow new trees, helping the forest to regenerate.
All four species of tapir play a crucial role in their environment. Known as the “gardeners of the forest”, they shape and maintain the biodiversity of tropical ecosystems. They do this mainly through eating and later dispersing seeds. On World Tapir Day, show some love for the majestic mountain cow, whether by spreading awareness about its endangered status, or visiting a local exhibit like the one at the Belize Zoo.
Fun Fact: Tapirs can move pretty quickly and are very strong swimmers. Check out this video of one running along the river in Belize.
Learn More About Tapirs at the Belize Zoo
Valentina the Tapir is the most recent rescue at the Belize Zoo. Video still from Coffee with Conservationists by The Belize Collection.
Just 29 miles outside of Belize City lies the Belize Zoo, fondly nicknamed the “best little zoo in the world.” It’s home to an array of unique Belize animals, including the Baird’s tapir. Enjoy fun and immersive wildlife experiences at this sanctuary that was born out of one simple act of selflessness.
Just recently, the zoo’s population increased by one with the heartwarming rescue of Valentina the Tapir. Valentina was discovered by a group of Belize Defence Force soldiers at their camp in Mountain Pine Ridge.
“This poor lady was severely underweight, and eagerly accepted food from the concerned soldiers,” said the Belize Zoo.
Valentina is now on the road to recovery and is making amazing progress.
Featured Photo by the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center.
