Proofreading: tapir

Clip Description

With its trunk-like snout and rounded body, the tapir looks like a cross between a mini elephant and a wild pig – though its closest relative is the rhinoceros! This strange-looking, prehistoric herbivore can be found in the forests of South and Central America and Southeast Asia.

In this fascinating clip, an orphaned tapir called Mandi is learning how to survive in the forest. Her keeper is delighted when she uses her long snout to pick the right foliage to munch on. Hold your nose, as things get a bit smelly when the young tapir is encouraged to poo in a river! Why does she need to do this? Watch the clip to find out.

Discuss the meaning of each word highlighted in bold.

Word Challenge

Imagine you are a tapir in the Amazon rainforest. As you trot your way towards a river, what do you experience? Use your senses to make a list of the things you can see, smell and hear.

e.g. towering trees, sun-dappled leaves, screeching gibbons, …