Tapirs are large, shy, semi-aquatic mammals of tropical forests and grasslands. Their welfare in zoological collections depends on appropriate habitat complexity, water access, social management and reproductive success.
Tapirs are frequently underestimated in welfare assessments because they appear inactive and undemanding. However, their wild lifestyle is characterised by extensive nocturnal ranging, frequent swimming and forest foraging. Captive tapirs that lack substrate complexity, water features and nocturnal access to large spaces may show welfare compromises through stereotypic pacing, inactivity, foot pathology and poor reproductive performance. Zoo tapir welfare programmes focus on substrate variety, deep water pools, browse provision, olfactory enrichment and keeper relationships built through calm, consistent positive reinforcement.