'Furry humbug' delights zoo-goers

A new arrival which has been described by keepers as a "four-legged, furry humbug" has been attracting the crowds to Bristol Zoo Gardens.

The "humbug" is, in fact, a Brazilian tapir - an animal distantly related to the rhinoceros and the horse which is native to South America's rainforests.

The baby was one of two born last month under a breeding programme at the zoo.

She hasn't got a name yet, but took her first shaky steps in front of proud parents Tamang and Denzil.

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Tapir facts Shy and solitary creatures Good sense of smell Use their long noses to pull leaves off the trees Good swimmers who spend most of their day in the water

The baby will eventually lose her spots and stripes to become a chocolate brown colour. She will grow to the size of a Shetland pony.

The tapir has been threatened with extinction because of hunting and the forest being destroyed in its native habitat.

One zoo keeper said it was a "privilege" to be looking after the baby.

"Watching her standing on her own four feet and her fascination of the world with its strange sounds and smells brings a smile to all of our faces," he said.