The team at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire is mourning the loss of Jessie, their cherished tapir who has passed away at the age of 28.
Known for her longevity and familial legacy, Jessie was a great, great grandmother with descendants spread across Europe as part of an international breeding programme.
Jessie had been receiving palliative care for the past few months, with her health declining in recent days. Darren Beasley, head of animal operations at Longleat, expressed his sorrow: “Jessie will be deeply missed. She had been part of Longleat longer than some of our keepers have been alive. Jessie recognised her keepers and enjoyed rolling over for tummy scratches. She was loved by both the staff and our guests.”
Tina Wilkin, Lead Keeper Safari, added: “Jessie was a keeper favourite who adored watermelons and hot cross buns. Even as she slowed down, she still loved swimming in the pond and relished treats and cuddles from her keepers.”
Jessie joined Longleat in November 1997 and played a crucial role in the park’s tapir breeding programme. Her offspring include Denzil, born in 2000, now residing at Exmoor Zoo, who has fathered eight calves, leading to seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Jessie’s granddaughter, Tallulah, born in 2002, remains a part of the Longleat family and is a testament to Jessie’s enduring influence.
“Jessie definitely gave Tallulah confidence, and she is the tapir she is today because of Jessie,” noted Tina Wilkin.
Tapir Factfile:
- Classified as Endangered
- Herbivorous, found in jungle and forest regions of South and Central America and Southeast Asia
- Average lifespan: 25-30 years
- Gestation period: around 13 months
