A unique opportunity to feed tapas to tapirs is being offered at Newquay Zoo later this May.

The 'Tapirs and Tapas' evening, which takes placed on between 6-8pm on Friday May 27 will be the first time Newquay Zoo has opened its doors after hours since the pandemic.

Audience members will get the chance to find out more about Newquay Zoo’s three tapirs: Al Capone, Emily and their son Shaun. The evening will also be led by the people that know them best – their keepers.

Brazilian tapirs are classed as Vulnerable in the wild as they suffer from excessive hunting and habitat loss due to deforestation. 

Newquay Zoo is involved in a breeding programme which has seen great success with two baby tapirs born since 2018, including their son Shaun who was born in 2020.

Tapirs are typically found in wet forests and grasslands in South America and are great swimmers. They often use their prehensile snouts as snorkels when diving deeper, and can close their nostrils to avoid letting water in.

Tracey Twomey, Senior Keeper, said: “Tapirs are fascinating creatures and all three of ours here at Newquay Zoo have big personalities. I am so excited that visitors will get the opportunity to get to know them better.”

Tickets cost £30 per person and the event is suitable for everyone aged eight and over

There are a limited number of tickets which can be purchased on the Newquay Zoo website here: www.newquayzoo.org.uk/events/tapirs-and-tapas/