Little Ume, our endangered tapir calf, loved meeting so many of you over the past two weekends! 💗 This growing baby needs lots of rest, so she’s been catching plenty of zzz’s behind the scenes and in her habitat. 😴 #ume #tapir #behindthescenes #pointdefiancezoo #endangeredspecies #naptime
She was a fairy… ✨ Spinning through life like it’s a water ballet. 🦦 Spinning is a natural behavior that helps clean their fur and dislodge trapped air or food. Otters rely on pristine fur for insulation in chilly waters. #pointdefiancezoo #seaotter #shewasafairy #otter #zoo #aquarium
Snoots & Toots! 😂 Baby tapir Ume is here behind the scenes adorably booping the camera with her fuzzy snoot. 🥰 Meanwhile, mom Yuna delivers a soundtrack we didn’t ask for but definitely won’t forget.💨
Our mischievous meerkat kits are keeping everyone on their toes! Full of energy and curiosity, these rascally little explorers are busy turning every moment into an adventure. Come see the chaos and cuteness in action at Kids’ Zone!
We tried capturing Nigel’s legendary crunches with a new microphone… but the mic couldn’t handle the cuteness (or the volume). Total tech fail. Nigel, however, was perfect, as always. Happy World #Porcupine Day! 🥰
☀️ Bone Appétit, Astra! 🐻❄️ On a sunny day, there’s nothing quite like a salty dip and a savory snack! Polar bear Astra is living her best bear life, lounging in her fresh saltwater pool while gnawing on a giant bone like it’s a five-star treat. 🍖 #polarbear #pointdefiancezoo #enrichment
Gonzo the tamandua went on a stroll behind the scenes, taking in all the sniffs, sights, and sunshine vibes. 💛 These curious creatures love exploring with their strong snouts and sticky tongues, perfect for sniffing out ants (or just enjoying a sunny day at the zoo). ☀️
Big splashes for a little tapir! Baby Ume just explored the large waterfall habitat with her mom Yuna for the very first time today! The 252-pound tapir calf swam, frolicked, snuffled through the grass, chomped on sticks and snacks, and chirped with pure tapir joy. 🌿 #pointdefiancezoo #ume #tapir #enrichment #babyanimals #endangeredspecies
Ume has the zoomies! 🏎️ Baby Ume just explored the large waterfall habitat with her mom, Yuna, for the very first time. The 252-pound tapir calf swam, zoomied, snuffled through the grass, chomped on sticks and snacks, and chirped with pure tapir joy. 💗 #ume #tapir #zoomies #babyanimals #pointdefiancezoo #zoomzoom
Ume’s still working on her swimming behind the scenes. Current goal: face and snoot fully submerged for more than a few seconds. Not quite there yet, but she gave it her absolute snorkelest. Lifeguard (supportive tapir mom Yuna) and the care team are on standby with endless encouragement and snacks. 💗 #ume #tapir #endangeredspecies #pointdefiancezoo
🌿 It’s Tapir Time! 🌿 We’re thrilled to announce that Ume, our adorable three-month-old tapir calf, is ready to begin exploring her public habitat at the Asian Forest Sanctuary, starting this Friday at 10:30 am alongside her mom, Yuna! Please note: sightings aren't guaranteed as Ume is still acclimating and will decide when she’s ready to venture out. Just like all little ones, she’s on her schedule! #pointdefiancezoo #tapir #ume #endangeredspecies #babyanimals