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Casablanca — The Ain Sebaa Zoo in Casablanca has welcomed the birth of a Brazilian lowland tapir, a rare event that marks the efforts of conservation and reproduction programs of threatened animal species.
French female tapir Trompette gave birth to the newborn on May 16 after a gestation period of around 13 months. The calf is also the offspring of Bily, a male from Italy.
The species, known scientifically as Tapirus terrestris, is facing a declining population in its natural habitat across South America. This new birth brings to four the total of tapirs in the Ain Sebaa Zoo. The zoo is currently the only place in Morocco where Brazilian tapirs are kept, giving the birth added importance from a conservation standpoint.
Mohamed Mgharfaoui, director general of the Ain Sebaa Zoo, told the Moroccan News Agency (MAP) that the little tapir is receiving continuous veterinary care to support its development and ensure it grows under the best possible conditions.
He explained that the birth reflects the effectiveness of the zoo’s breeding and animal care programs, and forms part of broader efforts aimed at protecting species threatened with extinction.
The zoo has also recorded other successful births in recent months, including a cervicapra antelope and a Dama mhorr gazelle, both species that are part of conservation programs within the park.
Yassine Binou, who oversees zoological coordination at the zoo, said the arrival of the tapir carries particular significance because of the rarity of the species and the pressures it faces in the wild. He said the birth also demonstrates the quality of animal care, housing, and monitoring provided by zoo teams.
Veterinary technician Sofia said the young tapir is in good health and has been monitored daily since birth. Teams are tracking its behavior, feeding, and overall development, especially during the first months of life, which are considered crucial.
The birth comes as other Moroccan zoological institutions report new arrivals. Earlier this year, the National Zoological Park in Rabat announced births among around 50 species during the first quarter of 2026, including dorcas gazelles, Barbary sheep, griffon vultures, genets, baboons, glossy ibises, stone-curlews, and Greek tortoises.
Zoo officials say such births remain an important part of conservation programs focused on preserving vulnerable wildlife populations.
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