Sad news announced this morning but what a legacy!
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jessie, our popular Tapir, at the age of 28.
Jessie was a great-great-grandmother whose descendants live across Europe as part of the international breeding programme. She had been receiving palliative care for the last few months.
Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, said: “She is very much going to be missed. She has been here longer than some of the keepers caring for her have been alive; she very much recognised her keepers and would roll over for them and loved her tummy being scratched. She was popular with them and with our guests.
“She has struggled with her movement over recent months, and we moved to palliative care to ensure she was as comfortable as possible. However, she deteriorated over the last few days and she was put to sleep yesterday morning.”
Tina Wilkin, Lead Keeper Safari, said: “Jessie would do anything for watermelons and hot cross buns. She was a keeper favourite and even though she has slowed down recently, she still enjoyed a swim in the pond as well as treats and cuddles from the keepers.”
Jessie had been at Longleat since November 1997 and Denzil in 2000, who lives at Exmoor Zoo. Denzil has subsequently fathered eight children, which resulted in seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Chico was born in 2002 and is the dad to Tallulah, who lives at Longleat, and six other offspring. Gomez arrived in 2006 and Hugo in 2007. They, along with Chico, have since moved to other zoos.
Tallulah, Jessie’s granddaughter, can still be seen at the park and Tina says: “Jessie definitely gave Tallulah confidence, and she is the Tapir she is today because of Jessie.”
