parks
Meet Ume: Minnesota Zoo’s 1-year-old tapir ready to meet visitors
By Sabrina Salguero Del Cid at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
The Minnesota Zoo announced Thursday that visitors can now meet its newest animal.
The zoo said Ume, a 1-year-old Malayan tapir, made her public debut at the indoor Tropics Trail. Zoo leaders said Ume was born in Tacoma, Washington, at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium before settling in Apple...
Key takeaway The zoo said Ume, a 1-year-old Malayan tapir, made her public debut at the indoor Tropics Trail.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The arrival of Ume, the 1-year-old Malayan tapir, at the Minnesota Zoo is a significant addition to the zoo's conservation efforts, particularly given the species' endangered status. With fewer than 2,500 Malayan tapirs in the wild, the Species Survival Plan plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy populations in human care. The Minnesota Zoo's participation in this program demonstrates its commitment to conservation and education, values that resonate with the local community. As visitors meet Ume, they will not only learn about this unique species but also gain a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation and the role that local institutions like the Minnesota Zoo play in protecting endangered species. The zoo's history with tapir conservation, including the transfer of Tuah to Woodland Park Zoo last summer, underscores the zoo's long-term dedication to this cause, making Ume's debut a notable event for the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Minnesota Zoo announced Thursday that visitors can now meet its newest animal.
The zoo said Ume, a 1-year-old Malayan tapir, made her public debut at the indoor Tropics Trail. Zoo leaders said Ume was born in Tacoma, Washington, at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium before settling in Apple...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sabrina Salguero Del Cid at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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