Brazilian tapir
smiling, Venezuela

Brazilian tapir smiling, Venezuela
Photo © Sylvia K. Vitazkova 1995

Sylvia Vitazkova took this charming photo of a lowland or Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) while stopping for a break at an ecotourist camp on the banks of the Caura River in the Orinoco Delta of Venezuela, en route back to Caracas. She says:

I had just completed my field work on my undergrad honors project on Ye'kuana ethnozoology. The tapir was a pet of sorts, though he seemed to come and go as he pleased. I used the photo in my thesis report, and I must admit that it was the most commented upon part of the project!

We can only say "Thank you" to Sylvia for brightening our day as well as for being such an excellent ambassador for tapirs in the halls of higher learning! Now, who in their right mind would not respond positively to such a face?


All tapirs are endangered species.
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