Folly Farm's Brazilian tapirs are having a splashing time in their new enclosure. Tapirs have lots of character and are always looking for something to do. The zookeepers at Folly Farm, Begelly, are always busy thinking up new and exciting ideas to keep the tapirs brain active. Their newest idea is a giant pond, which is also home to various breeds of ducks and swans. Said zoo manager Tim Morphew: "It's so nice to see them with all that space. We have one of the largest ponds of any tapir enclosure in the UK and I am sure they will have great fun entertaining the public throughout the summer season, as they are already entertaining us!" In the wild, tapirs live in moist, lowland rainforests where water is present. The tapir swims very well and spends much of its time wallowing in water, which helps to get rid of skin parasites in addition to providing protection from terrestrial predators such as jaguars and pumas. Tapirs will also regularly walk on river beds, searching for favoured aquatic plants. So as you can imagine, this new addition to their enclosure is a big hit. The tapir is an herbivore, so as well as enjoying their favourite aquatic plants, they also feed on fallen fruit, leaves, buds and branches that they enjoy tearing from trees. Folly Farm is open every day of the week until November 2, from which time the park will be open on Saturdays and Sundays only throughout the winter.
