Taipei Zoo

On the evening of August 17, 2026, Putri, a Malayan tapir at Taipei Zoo, gave birth to a female calf. Although she is only two weeks old, she already weighs 19 kilograms—more than double her birth weight. She has grown noticeably sturdier and is no longer content to stay still while being held by her keepers for routine weigh-ins. While her mother's milk remains her primary source of nutrition, keepers have recently observed the curious calf approaching her mother while Putri browses on branches and leaves, imitating her by nibbling on sweet potato vines and leafy vegetables.

At birth, Malayan tapir calves have black coats covered with white spots and stripes. These markings resemble the dappled sunlight filtering through forest leaves and branches, helping camouflage the calves in the wild. At around one and a half to two months of age, the coat begins to lighten starting around the rump. By five to six months of age, the calf will have developed the species' characteristic black-and-white coloration, with white markings remaining across the back, sides, and the tips of the ears.

This year's Malayan tapir calf is the offspring of Mo-Shu, who was born at Taipei Zoo, and Putri, who came from Singapore's Mandai Wildlife Group. The calf is currently staying with her mother at the zoo's Conservation and Research Center, which is not open to the public. Under the attentive care of Putri and the keepers, everyone hopes the calf will continue to grow up healthy.

On May 20 this year, a young male Malayan tapir named Bintang ("Star"), also from Singapore, arrived at Taipei Zoo. He is currently living in the Tropical Rainforest Area, next to the Kookaburra exhibit, and visitors are welcome to stop by and see him.