On a recent visit to the Bergen County Zoological Park I had the opportunity to see a Tapir one up-close and personal!

There are four species of Tapir, the Brazilian, Baird’s, Malayan, and the Mountain Tapir. The one I met was a Baird’s Tapir native to Central and South America.

The flexible snout called the proboscis helps the tapir reach foliage. It is made of soft tissue and can move in all directions.

Unfortunately, all four species of tapir are endangered. Hunting and deforestation all contribute to the demise of this incredible species.