Baird's tapir at the fence
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This is a beautiful shot of a Baird's tapir, showing many characteristics of the species. The pale color of the lower face and throat are common to Baird's tapirs, as is the dark spot on the cheek. The upper part of the nose forms a strong hump. This species seems to be somewhat more angular in appearance than either the Malayan or Brazilian tapir (the mountain tapir is covered in thick fur), and is almost bony by comparison. Its feet appear large and blocky in relation to the size of the legs. The Baird's tapir is the largest of the New World tapirs - only the Malayan is larger.
A trait of all tapirs is curiosity. This one is checking out keeper Mike Dee, standing near the fence. A whole series of photos was taken of the tapirs at this zoo, and I will get them printed and put up when I can.
All tapirs are endangered species
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tapir@tapirback.com
P.O. Box 118, Astoria, Oregon 97103, USA
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