...what's a tapir?

I have been fascinated with tapirs ever since I saw them for the first time at Brookfield Zoo.

They are related to rhinos and horses, and currently there are four living species dispersed all across the globe.

All four species of tapirs are endangered, and since they are not as popular as say, polar bears and penguins, they do not get as much attention as they deserve. Due to this lack of exposure, the future for tapirs may be bleak.

I hope that by becoming familiar with these animals, people will learn to find beauty and appreciate them for the unusual but loveable creatures they are.

Baird's Tapir

Malayan Tapir

Mountain Tapir

Brazilian Tapir

Baby Tapirs!

Now what?

By visiting these links, you will be able to find more information about tapirs and what you can do to help.

The Tapir Gallery, the official website of the Tapir Preservation Fund.

Tapir Specialist Group, an organization dedicated to the conservation of tapirs and their habitats.

Tapirs, an information page by National Geographic.