49.7

OK, I'm just teasing, this lovely little lady is actually a Malayan Tapir, another new addition to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo family born on 29th February 2012.

I was supposed to begin photographing her a week or so ago, but sadly one of the older Malayan Tapirs got into her enclosure when she was just three weeks old and gave her a rather nasty bite. She was immediately taken to Khao Kheow Open Zoo's well equipped animal hospital where a highly trained team of doctors and staff on hand operated on her and quite likely saved her young life.

She's been convalescing there ever since, and last weekend was the first time her bandages came off and she was allowed outside, giving me my first opportunity with her. I actually only had a few minutes, as the doctor wanted to make sure she didn't run about too much and open up her stitches, as healthy now and active as she is; photographing a baby Tapir that just won't stand still is no easy thing, let me tell you, so I consider myself lucky to have been able to capture at least a few semi-decent shots; would have preferred this more if I hadn't clipped her ears and if I could have gotten all of that raised front paw in the frame, but that sweet, soulful eye wins me over and is the main reason I chose to keep this picture. Hope it appeals to you too.

If you're interested to know more about Malayan Tapir you can find information here on this page over on our Nature ImpressionsNature Impressions website.

Wishing you all a great weekend ahead :^)

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