Contraceptive shortage brings unexpected tapir calf to Zoo Schmiding

A contraceptive supply shortage led to an unexpected lowland tapir birth at Zoo Schmiding, a zoo in Krenglbach near Wels, ORF reported.

The calf, named Yaku, is being cared for by his mother, Lucy, and is already visible to visitors. Yaku means “water” in Quechua, reflecting tapirs’ fondness for spending time near water. The animals live in South American rainforests.

Births of lowland tapirs are coordinated through the European conservation breeding programme. The population in European zoos is already well established, so no further offspring were planned for Lucy and the male tapir, Poroto. He was given hormonal contraception.

The contraception had to be paused briefly at the end of 2025 because the medication was unavailable. Zoo zoologist Stefan Hirtenlehner said the situation had been discussed with the programme’s coordinator. Although Yaku’s birth was unplanned, a suitable place for him at another zoo is already being identified for when he reaches adulthood.