Munich, Bavaria, Germany – Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich has welcomed a new species to its collection: a male Baird’s tapir, also known as a Central American tapir, moved into the rhinoceros house on Tuesday. The tapir, named Mattheo, is currently acclimatizing to his new surroundings and will be gradually introduced to visitors starting Friday.
A Significant Arrival for European Zoos
The arrival of Mattheo marks a significant event, as the keeping of Baird’s tapirs is rare in Europe. According to the zoo, Hellabrunn and Cottbus Zoo are currently the only facilities in Europe to house this species. The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) is actively developing a conservation breeding program for the Baird’s tapir, with plans to bring a female tapir to Munich in the future.
Dr. Lena Bockreiß, the responsible curator, stated, “With the Central American tapir, another endangered species is moving into Hellabrunn.” This underscores the zoo’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
The Baird’s Tapir: An Endangered Giant of Central America
Baird’s tapirs are among the largest mammals in Central America, capable of weighing over 300 kilograms. They are characterized by their grey-brown coloration and distinctive white ear tips. These herbivores inhabit forests and wetlands, feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, and aquatic plants.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Central American tapir as endangered. The total wild population in Central America is estimated to be fewer than 5,500 individuals, primarily due to habitat loss.
Mattheo’s New Home and Future at Hellabrunn
Mattheo is now exploring the redesigned rhinoceros house, which has been adapted to meet his needs. The zoo aims to provide a suitable environment for the tapir, contributing to the species’ survival through the EAZA breeding program.
The introduction of Mattheo to the public will be a phased process to ensure his comfort and well-being. Visitors are encouraged to observe him from Friday, September 5, 2026, onwards, as he settles into his new home.
The Hellabrunn Zoo continues its efforts to raise awareness about endangered species and their conservation. Mattheo’s arrival serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of such programs in protecting the world’s diverse wildlife.
Source: https://www.zeit.de/news/2026-09/03/neue-tierart-im-tierpark-hellabrunn-erster-tapir-zieht-ein
