Great Grandmother Tapir at Longleat has passed away

Thursday, 5 September 2024 05:55

It is with sadness keepers at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire have announced the death of popular tapir, Jessie, at the age of 28.

Jessie, who was a great, great grandmother, has descendants living across Europe as part of the international breeding programme. She had been receiving palliative care for the last few months.

Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, said: “She is very much going to be missed. She has been here longer than some of the keepers caring for her have been alive; she recognised her keepers and would roll over for them and loved her tummy being scratched. She was popular with them and with our guests.

“She has struggled with her movement over recent months, and we moved to palliative care to ensure she was as comfortable as possible. However, she deteriorated over the last few days and she was put to sleep yesterday morning.”

Tina Wilkin, Lead Keeper Safari, said: “Jessie would do anything for watermelons and hot cross buns. She was a keeper favourite and even though she had slowed down recently, she still enjoyed a swim in the pond as well as treats and cuddles from the keepers."

Jessie had been at Longleat since November 1997, and one of her offspring, Denzil, who was born in 2000 and now lives at Exmoor Zoo, has fathered eight more calves, which have resulted in seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Chico was born in 2002 and is dad to Tallulah, who lives at Longleat, as well as six other offspring. Gomez arrived in 2006 and Hugo in 2007, they along with Chico have since moved to other zoos.

Tallulah, Jessie’s granddaughter can still be seen in Longleat and Tina says: “Jessie definitely gave Tallulah confidence, and she is the tapir she is today because of Jessie.”

Tapir – factfile

The species is classified as Endangered.

They are herbivorous and found in jungle and forest regions of South and Central America and Southeast Asia.

The average life span is 25-30 years.

Gestation is around 13 months