Happy World Tapir Day: Get to Know the National Animal of Belize
It’s World Tapir Day, so it’s time to celebrate the national animal of Belize by learning about and visiting these gentle creatures! April 27 is a day to amplify awareness and conservation efforts for tapirs. Let’s learn more about this unique animal dear to Belize’s heart!
An Ancient Mammal
Tapirs are the closest living relatives to rhinos and horses. They have a 20 to 25-year lifespan and can weigh from 300 to 550 pounds. Tapirs are the largest native mammal in Central America, and the Central American Tapir is the world’s second-largest tapir species. They have a geographic range in Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. Interestingly, many refer to tapirs as “living fossils” because their species has existed for millions of years. In Belize, locals refer to them as “Mountain Cows” even though they have no relation to cows!
Smell, Sounds, and Swim?!
A notable feature of the tapir is their prehensile nose, which they can wiggle around! Tapirs use their nose to grab their food – foliage and fruits. They have a developed sense of smell and use their nose to snorkel! Tapirs are fast and agile swimmers who love to be near water bodies like rivers, streams, and ponds. If you thought they couldn’t be more extraordinary, tapirs’ sensitive hearing helps them to maneuver when it’s gloomy or nighttime in the wild. You might think this animal would make a loud noise because of its size. However, tapirs make a squeaky, whistling sound!
A Species in Trouble
Though these benign giants are wonderful animals, they are very much at risk. The Central American Tapirs specifically face endangerment globally. They are extinct in regional countries like El Salvador and areas in Guatemala. In Belize, they face troubling situations, such as deforestation and road traffic collisions. The Belize Zoo has The Tapir Project, an initiative to raise awareness through education campaigns, research, and advocacy for our national animal. They work closely with the public to rescue tapirs for rehabilitation and to promote road safety in areas with a high concentration of these animals.
Celebrate World Tapir Day in Belize
Tapirs are a sight to behold in Belize! From being a little spotted calf to a hefty odd-toed mammal, these interesting facts make you realize why they are one of Belize’s national animals. Tour The Belize Zoo and feed them their favorite fruits to commemorate World Tapir Day!
