Ka the Tapir
January 27, 2012
Originally uploaded by miketransreal
Some of the very first tapirs I encountered on the internet were via the now-defunct Dortmund Zoo Tapir Cam. You didn’t always see a tapir, but you might! Or maybe a keeper!
Some time later when Edinburgh Zoo decided to keep Malayan Tapirs instead of Brazilian ones, and they acquired an adult male tapir eight years ago, it was one of the Dortmund ones, called Ka.
The new tapirs settled in quickly and over the years Vasan, Kamal, Indah and Nadira (now 5 months old or so) were born.
We visit the zoo several times a year and always make a point of visiting the tapirs, despite knowing that they’re quite likely to be dozing! And, as you may know, I started sponsoring the tapirs at the zoo a few years ago.
Sadly, the zoo have just sent me a letter saying that Ka, who we hadn’t seen out and about for some time, had taken ill and died. No details of what from though. But whatever the cause, it’s a great shame.
Hopefully, the zoo will soon acquire another male to keep Sayang company, and maybe there will be more little tapirs in due course!
