Melbourne Zoo has welcomed a new, charming resident – Lupo, a two-and-a-half-year-old South American tapir who arrived from Zoo Schmiding in Austria this month. Lupo is the first tapir at the zoo in two years, joining as part of an important global breeding program aimed at conserving the vulnerable lowland tapir species.
Already settling in well, Lupo’s playful personality shines through as he explores his new home, delighting keepers with his calm confidence.
He enjoys a healthy diet of carrots, corn, and celery, though he’s not a fan of capsicum. His arrival even came with a baby book documenting his early milestones — a sweet insight into his journey.
In the coming months, Lupo will meet a female tapir from Germany, continuing the zoo’s vital conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Visitors to Melbourne Zoo can now experience the joy of seeing Lupo up close, supporting an international effort to save this fascinating species while enjoying a memorable day out in the heart of the city.
