Image: Patrick Bolger Photography

WE’VE BEEN A bit slack here at TheJournal.ie HQ in the past month in terms of our animal slideshow output.

But we’re getting back on track…starting right now with these photos of the newest arrival at Dublin Zoo.

The team at Phoenix Park are celebrating the birth of a Brazilian Tapir who was born early on Tuesday, 5 June to mum Rio and dad Marmaduke. He is the pair’s first calf together. Rio is a first-time mum but Marmaduke is a bit more experienced…he has now fathered 17 (17!) calves.

“We are delighted with the birth of the tapir calf,” said Eddie O’Brien from Dublin Zoo. “Mum and calf are doing very well and we are really happy with how well Rio is doing as a first time mum. The calf was up and about quickly after he was born, he is really inquisitive.”

Tapir calves are born with a number of white spots and stripes which act as camouflage in the wild. The spots and stripes mimic the dappled sunlight on the forest floor but these markings disappear by adulthood.

Rio, the female tapir, arrived at Dublin Zoo from Marwell Wildlife in the UK to join Marmaduke. They’ve obviously hit it off well.

The little lad is now up and about and can be visited during opening hours. Dublin Zoo is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 6pm.

More new arrivals at Dublin Zoo…this time it’s two Asian lion cubs>

In pictures: Dublin Zoo’s baby white-crowned mangabey>

Already a fan? Connect below...

Pop culture, web gems and social Ireland, Daily Edge via Facebook. Just click Like.