From Watermelon Watch to Welcome Day

When zoo staff learned we were expecting a tapir calf, we knew it was going to be a big moment. Malayan tapirs are Endangered, so news like this naturally attracts a lot of interest. When we shared that a female tapir, Sempurna, had joined our zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation, people were already invested in her story and curious about what might come next. Then we found out she was pregnant.

Tapirs have a 13.5-month gestation, so once we were ready to share the news publicly, it felt like starting a long countdown. We worked closely with our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team, tracking changes in Sempurna’s behaviour, diet, and habitat as she got closer to giving birth.

Watermelon Watch came out of that. Sempurna looked like she was smuggling a watermelon, and knowing tapir calves are born with a distinctive spotted pattern, it felt like the perfect way to build excitement and keep people following along.

What stood out was how people connected with her. Reading through social media comments, I’d see people tagging their friends, especially other expectant mothers, saying “this is you right now!” There was this shared understanding. People could relate to the waiting, the discomfort, and the anticipation in a very human way.

We were also sharing how her care was evolving behind the scenes, from habitat modifications to adjustments in her diet. We shared ultrasounds and tracked udder development as it happened, giving people a real-time look at the process. Regular spotlights on Sempurna’s gestation gave people a window into the level of care and planning that goes into these moments.

When the calf, Nyawa, was finally born, it was incredibly hard to wait to share the news. And when she stepped onto habitat for the first time, hearing that collective reaction from guests was unforgettable.

For many, this was their first real introduction to tapirs. They’re not a widely recognized species, and it’s common to hear people asking questions. Watermelon Watch created an opportunity to tell that story, to share what makes tapirs unique, and to highlight the conservation challenges they face in the wild.

It also reinforced why people support this work. We saw many comments saying, “this is why I support the zoo.” Seeing the level of care helped make that connection tangible.

Looking back, that’s what made Watermelon Watch so meaningful. It brought people into the process, helped them feel connected to the outcome, and showed how their support plays a role in moments like this.

Even now, as Nyawa grows, people are still following along. That sense of connection hasn’t gone away, and that’s something special to be part of.