Bioparc Fuengirola can now give its own name to the great hope for one of the most endangered species on the planet. The breeding of Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) Born last March, she has been officially baptized as Tari, following a participatory process in which nearly 2.000 people participated in the selection. The name, of Malay origin, means "dancer," and was the public's favorite among several proposals selected by the park's Zoology team.
This exciting announcement marks a new stage in the history of this small mammal, the first of its species born in Spain, a fact that means An unprecedented milestone for the conservation of the Malayan tapir in EuropeSince its arrival into the world, the baby has been followed with enormous excitement by both the technical team and thousands of people who, from day one, have felt this animal as part of their own story.
A symbolic and soulful choice
The voting campaign to name the baby has had an extraordinary response. Through the park's official website, the public was able to choose from several carefully proposed names, all with cultural and linguistic ties to Southeast Asia, the Malayan tapir's region of origin. Finally, Tari It won by a landslide majority of almost 50 percent of the votes, winning thanks to its musicality, its evocative power, and its connection with the cultural richness of the area where this species still survives in the wild.
"We wanted the name to not only identify our calf, but also to represent a story, an emotion, a connection to the species and its delicate future. Tari symbolizes joy, movement, life... she reflects hope for the species," the Bioparc Fuengirola team emphasizes.
Tari: ambassador of an endangered species
Tari's birth is not just good news for Bioparc Fuengirola. It's also a light of hope for the Malayan tapir, a species classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 2.500 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Breeding in controlled environments and under strict welfare standards is key to ensuring their future viability.
Since his birth on March 29, the result of the union between rawa, a female from Edinburgh Zoo, and PiTari, a young male recently arrived in Fuengirola, has shown excellent development. During these weeks, he has remained in his mother's care in a controlled environment and has already begun to take his first steps in the enclosure's outdoor space, exploring the world around him with curiosity and energy.
