Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas — A male Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii), an endangered species, has been born at the Miguel Álvarez del Toro Zoo (Zoomat) in Chiapas, marking a significant milestone for conservation efforts in southeastern Mexico.
The calf was born weighing 8.4 kilograms and has remained close to its mother, named Coco, who is nursing it naturally and providing colostrum to strengthen its immune system, zoo officials said.
The birth resulted from a breeding and conservation program run jointly by Zoomat and specialists from Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City. Both institutions work together to bolster populations of this threatened species and ensure its long-term survival.
Veterinarians and keepers are monitoring the calf around the clock, using remote observation and maintaining 24-hour shifts to respond immediately to any issues. The first weeks of life are critical for any wild animal, and the calf is under a strict observation protocol to ensure healthy development.
The Baird’s tapir is the largest terrestrial mammal in Mesoamerica and plays a vital role in seed dispersal, helping regenerate tropical forests and maintain ecosystem balance. In the wild, the species faces threats from habitat loss, ecosystem fragmentation, and illegal hunting.
Zoomat authorities said the birth strengthens efforts to conserve Chiapas’s biodiversity and reaffirms the commitment of institutions dedicated to protecting at-risk species. They expressed confidence that the calf’s progress will remain positive in the coming weeks.
