Woodland Park Zoo has announced that 8-year-old Malayan Tapir, named Ulan, is expecting her first baby, due early this summer. The expectant father is 19-year-old Bintang, a father twice over before and originally born himself at Woodland Park. Yet, the last Tapir born at the Zoo was in 2007.
Among the most primitive large mammals in the world, Tapirs have changed little in appearance for millions of years, with their closest species relatives are rhinos and horses. A newborn Tapir looks a bit like a watermelon on legs due to its reddish-brown coat, dappled with white and cream-colored spots and strips that fade after a few months. Yet, the Zoo’s blog on the expected birth has been titled ‘Seattle Watermelon’ (click here.)
The gestation period for Tapirs is approximately 13-months, with the average weight for calves at birth being 22-pounds. The average weight for adult Malayan Tapirs is 750 pounds, and they are the larges of the four species of Tapirs. The Tapir keepers have dedicated many hours to the Zoo’s birth management plan, and training Ulan to participate voluntarily in the non-invasive ultrasound exam. “Training Ulan to participate in her own pre-natal care is very important,” explained Dr. Tim Storms, associate veterinarian, “and part of the Zoo’s customized birth management plan.”
While waiting for the arrival of the baby Tapir, the public can review and comment upon the Woodland Park Zoo’s draft Annual Plan for 2020. Available now through midnight, February 18th, the Annual Plan describes programmatic changes, capital improvements and other key developments for the coming year.
Public comment on this plan is encouraged. Please review and comment on the Zoo.org website (click here.) The draft plan is also available for review in hard copy at the Zoo’s Center for Wildlife Conservation reception office during Zoo hours. Comment can be made, electronically, at zooinfo@zoo.org
Stop by the Woodland Park Zoo to see Ulan, the pregnant Malayan Tapir, and enjoy the valentine treats given to the rest of the animals on Saturday, February 8th from 10a – 2:15p. Fall in love as the animals celebrate Valentine’s Day with festive treats such as heart-shaped ice pops, herbal bouquets, or heart-shaped steaks.
During winter (through April 30th,) Zoo hours are 9:30a – 4p. Admission is $15.50 for adults, with children ages 3 – 12 costing $10.50. The Zoo is open every day, rain or shine, and cloudy or rainy days are great for going to see the animals and enjoying their company without the crowds. Find out more at Zoo.org.