Animal Guide

Malayan Tapir

14 destinations · 10 states

Native Range: Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, Indonesia

Malayan tapirs have one of the most unusual color patterns in the animal world, with a broad white section across the middle of the body that makes the front and back look almost like two different animals. At a zoo or wildlife destination, watch the short, flexible snout as it reaches for leaves, fruit, or other vegetation. That little trunk-like nose is constantly exploring, sniffing, and grabbing food. Tapirs can also be surprisingly agile for their size, moving through dense vegetation and stepping confidently into water. A quiet tapir may spend time browsing around the habitat, then head straight for a pool to cool off or rest. Look closely at the small ears and constantly moving snout while it explores. Malayan tapirs are native to the forests and wetlands of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, where their dark-and-white coloring may help break up their outline in the dim forest. Their rounded bodies and unusual markings make them easy to recognize, but it is the flexible nose that often keeps visitors watching.

Malayan Tapir

Where to see Malayan Tapir

14 destinations across 10 states

14 destinations

Bronx Zoo

Bronx, NY

Denver Zoo

Denver, CO

El Paso Zoo

El Paso, TX

Ellen Trout Zoo

Lufkin, TX

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Fresno, CA

Louisville Zoo

Louisville, KY

Minnesota Zoo

Apple Valley, MN

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha, NE

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Tacoma, WA

San Diego Zoo

San Diego, CA

Virginia Zoo

Norfolk, VA

Woodland Park Zoo

Seattle, WA

Zoo Miami

Miami, FL

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Tampa, FL

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