Bioparc Fuengirola celebrates a new milestone in the history of its group of Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus): The entire family now lives permanently in the park's outdoor space.This important step has been possible thanks to the meticulous work of the Zoology and Veterinary technical team, which for weeks has followed a progressive protocol, respecting the natural behavior of this solitary species, native to the jungles of Southeast Asia.
The Malayan tapir calf born last March She has spent her first months of life with her mother Rawa, who has proven to be an exemplary mother. During this time, the mother-child bond has strengthened, and the little girl has grown healthy, adapting normally to the environmental stimuli and demonstrating curiosity, energy and good development.
Throughout this period, the father, Mekong, has been kept separate for safety. In the wild, tapirs are solitary animals, and during times like birth or early childbirth, females tend to stray from the male. Therefore, from birth onward, outings were carefully staggered, ensuring the well-being of all and avoiding tense or stressful situations.
“These first encounters have been easier because over the past few months, the family has never lost contact. The temporary fence that divided the outdoor enclosure in two has guaranteed the safety of mother and calf so they could explore their surroundings, even though Mekong was on the other side of the estuary. This presence has facilitated this subsequent bond. A gradual adaptation,” explained Javier Vicent, Head of Zoology at BIOPARC Fuengirola.
In recent weeks, the technical team has begun the reunion process. Initially, with controlled contacts between the adults, observing their reactions. The response was positive, which allowed them to move on to the next phase: the reunion of the three individuals. Although Rawa initially displayed some distrust, Mekong managed to regain her trust and, eventually, meet her cub.
From the first contact, the little girl has shown great interest in her father, and the relationship between the three has evolved very positively. Today, we can proudly say that the family is united and living together completely normally outside, in full public view. “Tari and her father have shown great curiosity toward each other. This good relationship has also been reflected in Rawa, who has shown trust in this relationship: she bathed herself, let them sniff each other and eat together, etc. A very good sign.”
The Malayan tapir is a species in Danger of extinction, according to IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of less than 2.500 mature individuals in its natural habitat, located in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. The accelerated loss of its habitat due to deforestation, hunting, and habitat fragmentation are the main threats it faces.
For over a decade, Bioparc Fuengirola has been actively working on its conservation, both through international ex situ reproduction programs and public awareness campaigns. The birth of this calf represents a unique milestone in our country, since it is about the only specimen born in Spain and Bioparc Fuengirola is the The only center that houses and protects this species in the entire national territory.
