Everyone's favorite tapir turned one today (June 13, 2019)! Don Tapir took the San Diego Zoo and the world by storm as the first endangered Baird's tapir to be born at the Zoo in 30 years. He was named after Don Janssen, the former director of animal health who dedicated much of his career to improving animal care at the San Diego Zoo.

Tapir calves begin to lose these markings after a few months, and they resemble miniature adults at about 8 months of age. Don has certainly grown out of his "watermelon" coat, but he's still sweet as ever.

Baird’s tapirs are native to Mexico and Central America. As a key species in shaping and maintaining the biological diversity of tropical forests, tapirs are vital components in their ecosystems. They are important seed dispersers and leave their forest habitat well fertilized, helping ensure new growth of plants that provide food and shelter.

The Baird’s tapir is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Habitat loss and hunting have contributed to an estimated 50 percent population decline over the last 30 years. San Diego Zoo Global has long been committed to tapir conservation and has been a consistent supporter of tapir projects worldwide, along with contributing to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Tapir Specialist Group. Additionally, the San Diego Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Baird’s tapir Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to maintain a genetically viable population of this species in accredited institutions.

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