Watermelon Watch Delivered: Our Malayan Tapir Calf Has Arrived!

3 SEPTEMBER 2025 (Calgary, AB) – After months of anticipation and a whole lot of watermelon emojis, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of its very first Malayan tapir calf — a female born on August 28th to first-time mom ‘Sempurna’. The striped-and-spotted newborn is already stealing hearts and marking a major milestone for the zoo — and for the conservation of this endangered species. 

“This is a huge moment for our zoo — the very first Malayan tapir calf ever born here,” said Barb Campbell, Animal Care Supervisor at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “After a few initial nursing hiccups, Sempurna is showing all the right instincts as a first-time mom. The calf is strong, active, and feeding well. She already weighs 10.5 kg! With those signature stripes and spots, it really does look like a little watermelon on legs — it’s impossible not to adore this little one.” 

This calf is the first offspring for both five-year-old Sempurna and 24-year-old sire ‘Tanuck’, who were paired in a breeding recommendation under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). It will eventually take on the striking black and white colouring of its parents, but Malayan tapir calves are born with distinctive white stripes and spots — resembling a watermelon — that act as natural camouflage in the wild.  

Like many first-time mothers, Sempurna needed a little extra help adjusting to nursing her little one. During the first 29 hours, nursing was fairly consistent, but by Friday night Sempurna was hesitant to let the calf latch. The Animal Care, Health & Welfare team closely monitored both mom and calf, providing supportive treatments — including gentle pain relief, medication to encourage milk production, and supplemental feeding for the calf. By Saturday night, the calf was nursing successfully again, and Sempurna and her calf have continued to show strong, healthy feeding and bonding behaviours ever since. 

Sempurna’s pregnancy was in line with the typical 13.5-month gestation period for Malayan tapirs. Throughout that time, her dedicated care team worked with her on ultrasound and blood draw training to monitor both her health and the calf’s development. Building that trusting relationship proved invaluable — it allowed Sempurna to feel more comfortable and created a space for the calf to be monitored, grow, and be cared for with minimal stress. 

Sempurna and the calf will remain behind-the-scenes in PETRONAS Gateway to Asia for the next several weeks to allow for quiet bonding time before the calf makes its public debut. In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to follow the zoo’s social media channels for regular updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses! 

Malayan tapirs are the largest of the world’s tapir species and the only ones native to Asia. Found in the rainforests of Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra, their populations are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. With fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is proud to be part of the Malayan tapir SSP, collaborating with other accredited zoos to safeguard the future of this rare and at-risk species in human care.  

“While it’s still early days, we’re already impressed by this little watermelon’s confidence and curiosity,” continued Campbell. “Every birth is special, but this one has been long-awaited and carries real significance for the species. Our whole team is buzzing with excitement, and we can’t wait for our community to meet this incredible new addition!” 

– 30 –

For more information contact:

Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Public Relations
403-232-7766 | 403-919-9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com

For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.

While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.