THERE was a new addition last week to Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park's collection with the arrival of a male Lowland Tapir.
Kiarad, as he has been named, came to park all the way from Curraghs Wildlife Park in Isle of Man.
John Denerley, Director, Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park said: "Kiarad is a shy and adventurous creature. “He is a good swimmer, using his "trunk" as a snorkel for breathing. We are delighted with the arrival of such a rare, endangered animal. Kiarad is now sharing a mixed exhibit enclosure with Common Rhea and Capybara, who is the largest living rodent."
Lowland Tapirs are usually found in South America and inhabit moist, lowland rainforests where water is present. Sadly, they are also vulnerable to extinction - rare due to being hunted down for meat, and once again loss of habitat through deforestation. He is part of an EEP (European Endangered Species Programme) and it is hoped that a female will arrive to join him soon for breeding in the future.
