Brazilian Tapirs Hinti and Chiquita are settling into life together at Adelaide Zoo, with visitors able to spot the pair eating side by side, resting near one another and occasionally racing around the habitat with a case of the zoomies.
After arriving from Germany and completing quarantine, 2-year old Hinti was gradually introduced to 24-year-old Chiquita, with keepers giving both tapirs plenty of time and choice as they got to know one another.
Adelaide Zoo Team Supervisor Ungulates, Elise Maurer, said the early signs were encouraging.
“We saw really positive interactions through the fence right from day one, which was super exciting,” Ms Maurer said.
“They were touching trunks, eating near one another and showing lots of curiosity, so we were really pleased with how those first introductions went.”
A dividing fence initially allowed Hinti and Chiquita to investigate each other at their own pace, while keepers also swapped the pair between spaces so they could explore each other’s scent before meeting face to face.
While Chiquita was initially a little unsure of her new companion, curiosity soon took over – and Hinti’s playful personality has brought a new burst of energy to the habitat.
“Chiquita was a little unsure when she first saw him, but it’s been great watching their relationship develop,” Ms Maurer said.
“Hinti is young and energetic, and that has encouraged Chiquita to move around a bit more too.
“He gets the zoomies and will suddenly start running around the habitat, and Chiquita has been known to join in as well – especially after she’s been for a swim.”
The pair are also becoming increasingly comfortable eating alongside one another, although keepers continue to separate them for some feeds and monitor mealtimes to make sure both receive their share.
When it comes to downtime, Hinti and Chiquita have access to two heated shelters with comfortable bedding, giving them the choice to sleep together or enjoy some space of their own.
“Some mornings we’ll come in and find them settled together, and other times they’ve chosen separate shelters,” Ms Maurer said.
“It’s completely their choice, which is exactly what we want. It’s lovely to see them becoming more comfortable around each other while still being able to decide where they want to spend their time.”
Visitors can find Hinti and Chiquita opposite the giraffe habitat at Adelaide Zoo. Morning and later afternoon are usually the best times to catch the pair up and about, with a post-breakfast snooze often high on the agenda.
