Taipei Zoo's Malayan Tapir 'Rimuru' Arrives in Singapore, Hopes to Form New Family

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Yu-ting, Taipei, 8th) Taipei Zoo announced today that to maintain the ex-situ conservation population of Malayan tapirs, the Malayan tapir 'Rimuru' departed today and successfully arrived at Singapore Zoo. The zoo invites people who like 'Rimuru' to visit and send their blessings if they travel to Singapore.

'Rimuru' was born on July 15, 2024 (Republic of China calendar 113). His father, 'Moke,' came from Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic and passed away due to acute pulmonary edema before seeing his child born; his mother, 'Moli,' is a native Taipei tapir. Taipei Zoo shared earlier this year that the 1.5-year-old 'Rimuru' has fully changed into the adult's black and white coat, is learning to live independently, and even shows a youthful rebelliousness.

The zoo stated in a press release today that 'Rimuru,' bearing the mission of population exchange, entered a quarantine observation period in April and flew to Singapore early this morning. He has now safely arrived at Singapore Zoo and is doing well.

The zoo explained that to maintain the genetic diversity of the ex-situ population and ensure population health, zoos arrange pairings of Malayan tapirs from different family lineages through animal exchange. Singapore Zoo previously loaned Malayan tapir 'Putri' to Taipei, who then bred with 'Moshu,' allowing their bloodlines to flourish in both locations.

The zoo stated that now 'Rimuru' is also forming a marital bond through cross-national cooperation, hoping that he can interact with different Malayan tapir individuals and establish a new family. The zoo invites people who like 'Rimuru' to visit the zoo and send their blessings if they have the opportunity to travel to Singapore. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150508