A celebration of all things tapir is taking place in Cumbria, as one young male prepares to head off to warmer climes.

Today is World Tapir Day and staff at the Lake District Wildlife Park (LDWLP) near Keswick are making sure their four inhabitants are thoroughly spoiled.

The Brazilian Tapirs are currently a family unit, made up of mum and dad Muffin and Rio, and their sons Alvez - born in 2013 - and Zico, who was born last summer.

The LDWLP celebrates World Tapir Day every year, but it's the first time it has had so many tapirs to show off to visitors.

However, it is also one of the last opportunities to see three-year-old Alvez, as he is jetting off soon to become part of a breeding programme in the United Arab Emirates.

All tapirs are in decline and Muffin and Rio were millennium babies, brought together at the LDWLP in the hope they would breed. 

Now Alvez has matured, it is time for him to play his part in the conservation of the creatures.

Keeper Leanne Harrington has been looking after the Tapir family since Alvez was only weeks old.

Leanne said: "Alvez was quite a mummy’s boy when he was younger, sticking close by for a long time. Now he has minutes of madness, running around his enclosure. 

"In contrast his little brother is very independent already. 

"Alvez is quite tolerant of his brother who has a cheeky habit of nipping his older brothers’ ankles. They both love having their backs scratched which is great for park guests taking part in Keeper Experiences.” 

To commemorate World Tapir Day and the imminent departure of Alvez, the park is introducing special mini experiences for visitors to the park this Bank Holiday weekend. 

At 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there will be chance for guests to treat themselves to a 15-minute encounter with the tapirs, tickling their tummies and finding out more about the conservation of the species. 

It costs £15 per person, with the money raised going towards new enrichment toys like feed balls and quine balls. Sessions must be pre-booked.

Park manager Richard Robinson explained that the park is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and part of the European tapir breeding programme.

To find out more about the tapirs and other animals visit www.lakedistrictwildlifepark.com