Children's TV tapir finds new home at Newquay Zoo

A tapir which appeared on children's TV has arrived at her new home as part of plans to help protect a threatened species.

Tamara the 10-year-old female Brazilian tapir was part of the CBBC programme One Zoo Three which showcases life at Hertfordshire Zoo.

Her arrival at Newquay Zoo, in Cornwall, on 27 April forms part of an international breeding programme to maintain healthy populations of the vulnerable species across Europe.

Dan Trevelyan, head keeper at Newquay Zoo, said Tamara was a "lovely, gentle animal" who was settling in quickly to her new surroundings.

Tamara has taken up residence in the South American habitat, formerly home to the zoo's previous tapir, Al, who died earlier this year.

Newquay Zoo plans to further develop the habitat, including introducing capybaras.

Trevelyan said: "We're really pleased to have Tamara here with us - she's settled in so quickly and already seems very relaxed in her new surroundings.

"She's a lovely, gentle animal, and we're looking forward to people getting to know her over the coming weeks."

Newquay Zoo said Brazilian tapirs were native to the rainforests and wetlands of South America.

They are classified as vulnerable with wild populations under pressure from habitat loss and hunting.

Trevelyan said: "It's a really rewarding species to spend time with.

"If you pause for a few minutes, you start to notice these unique behaviours. That's when you really get a sense of her character."

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