It’s tapir time! Ume, a spirited three-month-old Malayan tapir calf, is gearing up for a big adventure. She will make her public debut at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Asian Forest Sanctuary this Friday—and guests are invited to watch her explore her new habitat.
“She’s spicy!” said Telena Welsh, Curator at the zoo’s Asian Forest Sanctuary. “Ume is playful, curious, and full of personality—we can’t wait to see how she takes on this new world.”
Born February 2, Ume has spent the last few months behind the scenes—nursing, bonding with Yuna, and growing fast. Now tipping the scales at around 140 pounds (and adding more every day), she’s becoming more independent and is sampling a menu of bananas, pears, yams, romaine, and grains, though she’ll continue nursing for a few more months.
Tapirs are natural swimmers, even using their flexible snouts as snorkels. Each habitat in the Asian Forest Sanctuary includes a water feature, and Ume has been practicing her paddling skills in a smaller indoor pool in preparation for the big splash outside.
“We’ll be keeping a close eye on Ume and Yuna over the next few weeks as they adjust to the outdoor space and Ume continues building her swimming skills,” Welsh added.
With her striped-and-spotted coat fading as she grows, Ume may not look like it for long, but right now, she’s the picture of a watermelon on legs—and full of wonder. Ume’s debut marks a milestone—she’s only the second tapir ever born at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in its 120-year history.
Malayan tapirs are endangered, with fewer than 2,500 remaining in fragmented populations across Thailand, peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatra. Deforestation and habitat loss have taken a serious toll.
“As an ambassador for her species, Ume helps guests connect with wildlife and inspires action to protect animals around the world,” said Welsh.
Guests may catch their first glimpse of Ume and Yuna starting Friday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. Viewing times may vary depending on the pair’s daily routine, so guests are encouraged to be patient—mom and baby might be napping or taking a break out of sight.