New, Modernised Tapir House in Wuppertal Zoo, Germany

Abstract

Wuppertal Zoo in Germany is the only breeding centre for Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in Europe. The zoo began with 2.1 individuals received from three US zoos in 1994 and 1996 (Kauffels, 1995), and a female offspring was born in 1998 (Schürer & Kauffels, 1999). After hippos and elephants moved from the Pachyderm house, the whole area of four stables and a pool became available for tapirs. However, the listed historical building did not fulfil the  demands for optimal animal management and wasn’t attractive to the public. After one and a half years of reconstruction, the house re-opened to the public on 28 May 2002. Just an artificial tree trunk and rocks survived from 1927. Tiles replaced the broken concrete floor and glass replaced the old steel bars. The public area was supplemented with wooden benches and tropical plants. The stables were also improved in quality. The focal point of the new facility is the generously sized pool (6m long, 5m wide and 2m deep) with a bulletproof glass window (4m long and 2.3m high) that opens up an underwater view for visitors. As far as I know, this concept is a first for a tapir exhibit.