Celestýnka,
a Brazilian Tapir born this fall at Zoo Brno in the Czech Republic, is getting
plenty of exercise these days as he runs, jumps, and plays in his snowy outdoor
enclosure.  The calf has grown
considerably since he was featured on ZooBorns as a little newborn.

Zoo
Brno fans voted to name the chubby little calf, who was born to parents Cusco and Neny.  Celestýnka’s antics have made him a favorite
with zoo visitors and staff, as well as a capybara that shares his enclosure (look for this large rodent in the photos).

Photo Credit:  Zoo Brno

Brazilian Tapirs are native to the northern half of South America, where
they roam the underbrush of rain forests in the region.  They are often found near waterways and are
excellent swimmers.  Tapirs’ aquatic
habits make them vulnerable to attacks by crocodiles and anacondas.  Jaguars and cougars prey on Tapirs sleeping
on riverbanks. 

Predators are not Tapirs’ only threats: Tapirs are listed as vulnerable to
extinction due to large-scale habitat destruction and poaching for their meat
and hide.