Spain’s Malayan tapir calves are born, including the first calf of this species.

The murmur of jungle and the gentle sound of tropical rainfall on dense foliage welcome a special new resident to BIOPARC Fuengirola. On 29 March, this park in Málaga became the setting for a historic moment in biodiversity conservation: the birth of Spain’s first Malayan tapir calf (Tapirus indicus).

This incredible event marks a landmark that establishes BIOPARC Fuengirola in Europe as a benchmark for the reproduction of Southeast Asia’s threatened species. The birth is a result of the park’s dedication to international conservation programmes, and the tireless efforts of an entire team committed to the protection of this unique animal.

Birth of hope

Rawa arrived at BIOPARC Fuengirola after arriving from Edinburgh Zoo. She is a part of EAZA’s European Endangered Species Programme. After a pregnancy lasting over 390 days—one of the longest among land mammals—she gave birth without complications in a controlled and safe environment.

The calf showed a healthy behavior from the beginning. It ate normally and developed steadily. The young tapir calf is currently in a phase of constant growth. Under its mother’s eye, visitors can watch it enjoying the outdoors, trotting about and exploring every corner. Malayan Tapir calves are completely dependent on their mothers during the first few months.

Their coats are striped and spots at birth. This acts as camouflage for the undergrowth. The pattern is retained until the age of six months, when they start to develop their distinctive two-tone colouring.

This is the stage when the calf first begins to investigate and explore his surroundings. They are known for being active, curious and highly alert to sounds and movements—instincts that help protect them. The growth period is crucial for calves’ physical, neurological, and social development. In optimal conditions like those at BIOPARC, they can achieve a balanced and healthy pace of growth.

The Malayan tapir: a time-traveller in danger

The Malayan tapir has been called a “living fossil”. The Malayan tapir’s lineage goes back more than 50 million years. Although it might seem odd and isolated, it has a close relationship with horses and rhinos.

The habitat of this species, which is native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra’s dense jungles, has been severely reduced by deforestation and agricultural expansion, as well as poaching. Fewer than 2,500 individuals are estimated to remain in the wild, placing it in the ‘Endangered’ category on the IUCN Red List.

Calf that has not yet been named

The story of the calf does not end at birth. BIOPARC will be inviting the public to take part in this unique chapter by launching a campaign soon. It is a powerful, symbolic way of connecting people to the conservation cause.

Meet it in person – now with children’s tickets for one euro, until 31 May

Visit BIOPARC Fuengirola to see this moment and meet the Malayan Tapir. This park just launched an offer that will help you discover the Malayan tapir, as well as the other animals and plants they protect. A child’s admission is only one euro when you buy an adult ticket between 21 April and 31 May. This one euro will be donated to the BIOPARC foundation.

A park located in the center of the city, just a few meters from the seafront promenade. unique immersive experience Visit the newly opened rainforests in Central and South America, where you can see carefully recreated habitats, such as those of Southeast Asia and Madagascar, Equatorial African, the Indo-Pacific region, and the rainforests in Central and South America.

BIOPARC’s philosophy is to remove visual barriers, and encourage close contact with animals. BIOPARC’s Fuengirola is a great place for animal lovers. Perfect plan for families, nature enthusiasts and school groups looking for something different—an educational and exciting experience.

BIOPARC Fuengirola The park is open all year round and has a variety of experiences and activities for people of all ages. Visit for information on opening hours, prices and other news. www.bioparcfuengirola.es.