Conservation of Tapirs in Zoological Parks: Roles, Status and Management

Tapir care and management in zoos (ex situ) and in the field (in situ) has been well documented in this book and several other publications in the past 30 years (refer to references listed in appendix). This chapter will focus on the role that zoo tapirs of all four species can, and currently do, play as both study animals and conservation ambassadors for their endangered counterparts in the wild. With over 800 million guests visiting good officially accredited zoos every year, there is a tremendous opportunity to inspire and engage people to help make a difference in saving tapirs in the wild.