Exciting news from the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo: Sempurna, a four-year-old Malayan tapir, is expecting her first calf with 23-year-old Tanuck.
The zoo is calling it a vital step forward for the conservation of this endangered species, with fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild.
“This pregnancy is a huge win for Malayan tapir conservation — and we’re thrilled to support Sempurna through this next phase in her journey,” said Jennifer Godwin, Animal Care Manager at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
“The successful birth of a calf would be an important step forward in the conservation of their endangered population. Plus, let’s be honest — tapir babies are basically tiny, walking watermelons, which are extremely adorable!”
Pregnancy in Malayan tapirs lasts about 13.5 months, and Sempurna is expected to give birth between mid-July and mid-August.
To prepare, the zoo team has been training her for ultrasounds and blood draws, which she has responded to positively — especially when accompanied by scratches and rubdowns.
Visitors to the zoo may notice changes in Sempurna’s behavior and appearance as her pregnancy progresses. She has shown more assertiveness toward Tanuck, a natural behavior during this time, and her growing waistline is becoming more noticeable.
To ensure her well-being, the team has increased her feeding schedule and is prepared to adjust as needed.
This pregnancy is a key achievement under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which strategically matches at-risk species to maximize genetic diversity.
Both Sempurna and Tanuck were selected as a breeding pair to support the long-term survival of Malayan tapirs.
“This moment brings renewed hope for a species facing serious challenges in the wild, from habitat loss to poaching,” said Godwin.
Sempurna arrived in Calgary in March 2024 from Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, where she was born in 2020. Tanuck, born in 2001, rejoined the Calgary Zoo in 2021 after previously residing there in the early 2000s.
The zoo has dubbed this exciting journey #WatermelonWatchYYC and will share updates as the due date approaches.
