New Year, New Tapir
Posted at 10:39 am March 4, 2010 by Nate Schierman
On January 29, 2010, San Diego Zoo staff members were delighted to discover that Chantek, a Malayan tapir, had given birth to a healthy baby boy! The average lifespan of a tapir is roughly 30 years, so at age 26 this is quite a feat for Chantek (who is currently the second oldest female Malayan tapir in the North American collection). The oldest tapir on record to have given birth in a zoological setting was a miraculous 32 years old.
Although not a record-breaking event, staff members were ecstatic about this birth. San Diego Zoo Animal Care Manager Michele Stancer, who is also the studbook keeper for the Malayan tapir, couldn’t be happier and noted that the genetic pairing of Chantek and her mate, Chukai (see post Tapir Tales), is a boon to the zoological population of this species.
At first, Zoo vets had some moderate concerns about our new arrival. The youngster, named Tembikai, had a slightly lower-than-average birth weight, and his blood glucose level was just shy of normal. Keepers observed the little guy nursing, but there was some question as to whether or not Chantek, due to her age, was producing any milk. A quick blood test showed that Tembikai had received his mother’s immunological agents, and careful monitoring of his weight evidenced his steady growth.
Now, at a month old, Tembikai is thriving. His body shape is an exact replica of the adults, complete with sloped rump and a very active prehensile nose. His coloration is quite different, though. His legs are covered in spots, and his torso has stripes that resemble a watermelon. In fact, that is what “tembikai” means in Malay. He has tripled in weight, is ably navigating his environs, boldly exploring his swimming pool, running and jumping circles around his mother, and (despite a lack of teeth) is already sampling solid foods. Weaning doesn’t generally occur until 6 to 8 months of age, which is also about the time Tembikai will start losing his “baby stripes.” Chantek (which means “beautiful” in Malay) is also doing very well. Tembikai is her eighth offspring, so Chantek is very well versed in the ways of motherhood.
Nate Schierman is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read his previous post, Hogs, Okapis, Hippos, and More.
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March 4th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
baby tapirs are super cute! congratulations to nate and the tapir staff.
March 4th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Watermelon is right! Adorable.
March 4th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Oh, I love his cute ears and baby stripes!
March 4th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Could we please see some video of this little guy??
March 4th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
what a sweetie!! Pleeeeeeeeeese …… more info, more pix, more vids … he is just a darling!!!
March 5th, 2010 at 4:35 am
I have had the pleasure to work with a Brazilian Tapir baby at Brookfield Zoo and they are just too precious. I’m sure Malayan babies are no less cute!
March 5th, 2010 at 10:01 am
I remember when Chukai was a baby & also looked like a watermelon on legs. Is the baby on exhibit yet with Mama Chantek? Are they in the exhibit near the tigers? I’m visiting SDZ next Fri. & looking forward to seeing them. Thanks for the update!
Moderator’s note: Mom and baby are not on exhibit yet.
March 5th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
As the moderator stated, Chantek and Tembikai are currently off exhibit. But still on display (yes, near the tigers) are Chukai (the dad) and Annie. We are currently working toward breeding these two tapirs.
March 7th, 2010 at 10:20 am
I still remember when Chukai was little guy, what ever happened to his mother… Rose
March 7th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Rose went to the Milwaukee County Zoo in June of 2008, and sadly just passed away in December 2009.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:00 am
Thanks for the update, Nate. I’ll check out Chukai & Annie on Fri. He was such an adorable mama’s boy! Very sorry to hear about Rose who clearly was a very good mother.
March 8th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Congratulations one and all! Sounds like Tembikai is quite a fellow, and will keep Chantek busy and young.
Sorry to hear about Rose. How old was she? Seems she passed along great genes to Chukai.
Moderator’s note: She was 21.
March 9th, 2010 at 6:52 am
Congrats, so cute. I love the name Tembikai.
http://www.animalsandearth.com/search/q/Tapir/t/tags#1#images#tags
March 12th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
When is Tembikai going to be on exhibit?
March 14th, 2010 at 7:10 am
can’t wait to see him!
March 18th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Tembikai is so cute! And I’m so glad to be able to visit a site devoted to tapirs and ALSO mentioning okapis, another favorite animal.
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:42 am
hey
my name is rut and i am a keeper at ‘hay park’ zoo in israel. congratulation for the new baby. i was wandering if you can help me on a matter regerding to our tapir that just arrived and find it difficult to communicate with our female i appreciate any advice you can give
April 22nd, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Quick update…Tembikai and Chantek are now on exhibit. They can be seen in Tiger River.
April 28th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Thanks Nate. Saw Tembikai & Chantek last Sat. 4/24 and I encourage everyone to stop by and see a very sweet mother and child!
May 12th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Hello. I was at the zoo last Thursday and Tembikai had been carried away by two keepers. He did not look well. I am concerned. Is he OK? Did he pass away? I noticed when I was there and Chantek seemed to be distressed. Any input that you can provide would be helpful. Thank you so much.
Nate responds: Sadly, Tembikai passed away. This is a huge loss for our staff as well as the captive tapir population. The cause of his death is as yet undetermined. Tembi will be sorely missed.
May 26th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I am so sorry Nate to hear about Tembikai. He and mama were not on display yet when we were there in March so I never got to see him. My condolences to all the keepers.
May 28th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
I love babies! Tembikai looks sooooooooooooo cute! I’m looking forward to seeing him when I go to San Diego Zoo on June 18th 2010.
Moderator’s note: We look forward to your visit, Madison, but please know that Tembikai passed away. See response to comment #20.
May 29th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
My favorite animal is a tapir so to breed this rear animal must of been a treat
June 8th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
What happened to Tembikai? Was very much looking forward to seeing him.