First Ever Baird's Tapir Calf Born at the Audubon Zoo

First Ever Baird’s Tapir Calf Born at the Audubon Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: July 11, 2021 1:00 am

A baird’s tapir calf was born at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans on July 2nd, 2021

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo have introduced a baird’s tapir calf born to three year old mother Ixchel on July 2nd 2021. The first time mother has been showing great care for her calf since its arrival.

The father of the calf is four year old male Baird’s Tapir, Tybalt. He has called the zoo home since 2018 when he arrived from the Nashville Zoo.

A baird’s tapir calf was born at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans on July 2nd, 2021

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

Ixchel came to the Audubon Zoo from the Franklin Park Zoo in 2019. Her pairing with Tybalt was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan based on the genetic compatibility of the pair.

Currently the mother and calf are bonding behind the scenes. His birth comes after a 13 month gestation. The long gestation period makes recovering their populations in the wild difficult.

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Unfortunately in the wilds of Central and South America this species is hunted for food and sport along with facing habitat destruction mainly for agriculture and development.

Luckily at the zoo they are offered protection against these threats and the new family are safe. They act as ambassadors for their species helping to teach guests about their plight in the wild.

A baird’s tapir calf was born at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans on July 2nd, 2021

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

“Ixchel and the new calf are doing well,” said Audubon Zoo’s Vice President and General Curator Bob Lessnau.

“Our veterinary and animal care teams are keeping a close eye to ensure both mother and calf are progressing. This is the first Baird’s tapir born at Audubon Zoo, and we are very excited to share his development with the community.”