What’s white and brown and adorable all over? The new Brazilian tapir calf born earlier this month at the Dublin Zoo!The male calf is the first baby born to mom Rio. Like all tapir calves, the baby was born with white spots and stripes that mimic dappled sunlight on the forest floor, acting as camouflage in the wild. The markings will disappear when the young calf reaches adulthood.“We are del
Watch out! The male calf goes for a run at the Dublin Zoo.Patrick Bolger Photography
By Lisa Granshaw and Lisa Granshaw
Just look at that face! The Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of this baby tapir.Patrick Bolger Photography
What’s white and brown and adorable all over? The new Brazilian tapir calf born earlier this month at the Dublin Zoo!
This calf will lose its white stripes and spots when he gets older.Patrick Bolger Photography
The male calf is the first baby born to mom Rio. Like all tapir calves, the baby was born with white spots and stripes that mimic dappled sunlight on the forest floor, acting as camouflage in the wild. The markings will disappear when the young calf reaches adulthood.
Tapirs are excellent swimmers and can dive to feed on aquatic plants.Patrick Bolger PhotographyWatch out! The male calf goes for a run at the Dublin Zoo.Patrick Bolger Photography
“We are delighted with the birth of the tapir calf," team leader Eddie O’Brien said in a press release. "Mum and calf are doing very well ... the calf was up and about quickly after he was born, he is really inquisitive!”
Take a look at more adorable photos of this newborn below!
This is the first calf for mom Rio but number 17 for dad Marmaduke.Patrick Bolger PhotographyTapirs are nocturnal mammals native to the tropics of South and Central America.Patrick Bolger PhotographyThe short trunk on tapirs is used to grab branches and leaves as well as help them pluck fruit.Patrick Bolger PhotographyTapir in action: Nothing can stop this calf from exploring his surroundings!Patrick Bolger PhotographySnack break: Tapirs feed in the mornings and evenings.Patrick Bolger PhotographyThis little guy will one day have a coat that looks more like mom and dad's after he loses his white spots and stripes.Patrick Bolger PhotographyPeek-a-boo: Baby hangs out with his parents.Patrick Bolger Photography
