A Brazilian tapir has been born at a Devon zoo. The new arrival, named Dexter, was born at Paignton zoo environmental park to parents Misha and Ryan.

The zoo has enjoyed regular success with tapirs, breeding seven over the last 11 years.

Neil Bemment, the zoo's curator of mammals, said: "There are few zoo youngsters as endearing as a baby tapir.It is always good news to breed such a popular and charismatic species."

A single youngster is born after a gestation period of about 13 months. Dexter, born on 5 February, has a striped and spotted coat which he will lose as he grows older.

Brazilian or lowland tapirs are threatened because of habitat destruction and being hunted for food.

A zoo spokesman said: "Tapirs live in wet forest and grassland where they eat grasses, leaves, buds, fruits and aquatic vegetation.

"The tapir's short, fleshy, trunk-like nose helps the animal to sniff its way through the forest and is a sensitive finger used to pluck leaves and shoots. It also makes a great snorkel when the tapirs are bathing – they love water and are excellent swimmers."