Picture by David Rolf

An infant Brazilian tapir trots around its new surroundings following its birth at Howletts wild animal park in Bekesbourne near Canterbury.

Born on October 27, the infant - who is yet to be named - is already venturing out into his enclosure while mother Corumba keeps a close eye on him.

This week head hoofstock keeper Joel Bunce is delighted with the new addition.

He said: “This is Corumba’s first calf so I was expecting both of them to be quite cautious.

"However the little chap is already exploring his enclosure and Corumba has taken to motherhood very well.”

Mother and calf have been separated from the father Yavari so that they can have time to bond together.

Brazilian tapirs are born after a gestation period of approximately 13 months and are brown in colour with white spots and stripes.

After about six months, these will fade and the distinctive coarse mane which runs along the back of the neck will grow in.

They are commonly found in rainforests and swamps in Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela and Paraguay and are essentially forest dwellers.

Young are born with a spotted and striped coat which helps to camouflage them and hide them from prey.

Can you suggest a name? Leave your ideas in the comments section below.