A tapir is a large, plant-eating mammal that looks like someone combined parts from several different animals. Picture a pig-sized creature with a short, flexible trunk like a miniature elephant's, sturdy legs, and a rounded body. Tapirs live in the jungles and forests of Central and South America, and one species lives in Southeast Asia.

Despite their unusual appearance, tapirs are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time near rivers and streams. They use their flexible snouts to grab leaves, fruits, and water plants. At night, tapirs follow the same paths through the forest, creating trails that other animals use too.

Tapirs are one of the oldest surviving groups of mammals on Earth. Their ancestors roamed alongside early horses and rhinoceroses over 50 million years ago. While they look like odd mashups, tapirs are actually close relatives of horses and rhinos, though you'd never guess it from their appearance.

Today, all tapir species are endangered. These shy, gentle creatures face threats from hunting and habitat loss. Baby tapirs are born with stripes and spots that fade as they grow, helping them hide from predators in the dappled forest light.