Tapirs, the largest land mammals native to South America, have been around for tens of millions of years, but their continued survival is at risk due to demand for their meat and hides, illegal logging, and habitat loss and fragmentation. They lost even more habitat this year due to intense fires in Brazil’s biodiversity hotspot The Pantanal, which have scorched millions of acres since a premature fire season start in June. Many animals were seriously burned in these fires, and, with your help, we’ve been supporting their medical care.

Thanks to your clicks, trivia participation, shopping for a cause, and direct donations, we’ve teamed up with Greater Good Charities and Brazilian conservation organization Onçafari to treat animals impacted by the fires. That has included jaguars, which have a high population density in the Pantanal. It has also included tapirs. The species of tapir found in the Pantanal is considered vulnerable. The other three species are all endangered.

Among the individuals Onçafari has been caring for, while dealing with their own damages at their eco-tourism reserves, are two young tapirs who were each found alone amid the devastation.

Melancia, or Watermelon, was rescued at around 6 months old. She got her name because of her speckled coat, a feature found in young tapirs. The organization says the name also matches her “sweet and tender spirit.”

This gentle girl was severely dehydrated and suffering from significant burns on her feet when she was found. This has required extensive treatment, along with other care until she’s able to be released back in the wild. She’s at an age at which she should still be with her mother, so there are additional concerns for getting her ready for release.

Another young tapir that has received care is Valente, a 1 year old who is believed to have been living independently before he was rescued.

He, too, was found in rough shape. He was in serious need of fluids and also suffering from burned feet, much like Melancia. Throughout the treatment he’s required, he’s remained strong and brave, which is the meaning of his name.

The Pantanal’s fires began raging during the hottest and driest June on record, and the beginning of the fire season was six times more active than in 2020, an especially damaging year dubbed “the year of flames.” The region is home to hundreds of unique and endangered species, so the biological impact has been substantial.

With the fallout from such extreme conditions, Onçafari has found themselves caring for many of these animals. This has added even more work to their plate, which already includes habitat restoration, conservation work, and jaguar research.

This holiday season, we’re working to provide more aid to support the care of animals impacted by the Pantanal fires. If you’d like to join us, click below!