Lufkin, Texas – The Ellen Trout Zoo is delighted to introduce Nadira, a three‑week‑old female Malaysian tapir, to the community. Born in the early hours of Sept. 21 at 2:09 a.m., the tiny calf weighed 20 pounds at birth and has already doubled that weight, now tipping the scales at just over 40 pounds.
“Though only a few weeks old, Nadira is already showing off a big personality,” the zoo said in a press release. Keepers describe her as full of spunk, splashing in her water trough, nibbling on her mother, and even attempting to steal food from her older sibling, Tembi. When she gets a burst of energy, staff say she can be seen bucking like a little bronco as she darts around her enclosure.
Family background and conservation significance
Nadira is the third calf born to the zoo’s long‑standing pair, Tembikai and Cole, who have been residents for a decade. Unfortunately, Cole passed away in January at the age of 24, leaving Tembikai as the sole parent. The new calf’s name, meaning “precious gift” in Malay, reflects the zoo’s pride in adding another healthy individual to the endangered species’ population.
The birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, a cooperative effort that maintains genetically diverse and sustainable populations of threatened animals across accredited facilities. By participating in this program, Ellen Trout Zoo helps ensure the long‑term survival of the Malaysian tapir, a species listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting pressures in its native range.
Visiting Nadira
Guests can now view Nadira in Holding Area No. 2, where she is receiving extra care and monitoring as she continues to grow and develop her teething skills. Once she is able to navigate the pool safely, the zoo plans to introduce her to the main exhibit, giving visitors the chance to watch her interact with her environment and learn about tapir conservation.
The Ellen Trout Zoo encourages families, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts to stop by and meet the newest resident. Educational signage will highlight the tapir’s role in forest ecosystems and the importance of protecting its natural habitat. The zoo hopes that Nadira’s story will inspire community members to support local conservation efforts and appreciate the unique wildlife that can thrive right here in East Texas.
For more information on visiting hours, upcoming events, or ways to support the zoo’s conservation initiatives, please visit the Ellen Trout Zoo’s website or call the visitor services desk.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
