Tapir calf makes her debut

Ume, a three-month-old Malayan tapir calf, makes her public debut at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium this month. Born on February 2, she is the second tapir born at the zoo in its 120-year history. Curator Telena Welsh describes Ume as playful and curious, noting her lively personality. Currently weighing around 140 pounds, Ume has been bonding with her mother, Yuna, and sampling various foods while developing her swimming skills. Malayan tapirs, with fewer than 2,500 left in the wild, face threats from deforestation and habitat loss.

Ume's debut raises awareness about her endangered species status and the zoo's ongoing conservation efforts. Ume's mother, Yuna, was monitored throughout her pregnancy, highlighting the zoo's commitment to responsible breeding practices. Visitors can catch glimpses of Ume as she adjusts to her outdoor habitat and learns to swim.