"Meet Ume: The Adorable 'Walking Watermelon' Tapir at Point Defiance Zoo"
Read "Meet Ume: The Adorable 'Walking Watermelon' Tapir at Point Defiance Zoo" on WALY Radio
"Meet Ume: The Adorable 'Walking Watermelon' Tapir at Point Defiance Zoo"
[!CDATA[A rare baby animal, resembling a "walking watermelon," has been honing her skills alongside her mother at a Washington zoo. Ume, a Malayan tapir calf, is set to make her public debut at the Point Defiance Zoo Aquarium in Tacoma. Visitors can catch a glimpse of her in the Asian Forest Sanctuary as she explores her surroundings with her mother, Yuna. The viewing schedule may vary, so patience is advised as the pair may be resting or out of sight. Born on February 2, Ume captured the hearts of social media users with her distinctive white stripes and speckles. She had to master swimming before her public appearance, and after passing her swim class with flying colors, she is now ready to meet the public. As she grows, her stripes and dots will gradually disappear, a common trait of Malayan tapirs. The Malayan tapir, the largest of the tapir species, is native to Asia, specifically southern Myanmar and southern Thailand. These herbivores use their long, flexible noses to forage for leaves and fruit. Baby tapirs are born with white stripes and dots to blend in with their environment. While tapirs are mostly solitary creatures, they may form pairs in some cases. Unfortunately, the Malayan tapir is endangered due to habitat loss from deforestation, agriculture, logging, and hunting. By raising awareness about these unique animals, the zoo hopes to contribute to their conservation. Don't miss the opportunity to see Ume and her mother in person and learn more about these fascinating creatures at the Point Defiance Zoo Aquarium.]]