State Councilor Hannes Amesbauer Becomes a Tapir Sponsor

The three lowland tapirs are among the quietest and, at the same time, most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. Tapirs are considered “living fossils” and are among the oldest surviving mammal species. With their characteristic small, prehensile snouts, their excellent sense of smell and touch, and their love of water, they are true specialists of the South American rainforest. In the wild, they are threatened by habitat destruction and hunting—making their protection through international breeding programs all the more important.

"Deeply relaxing and heartwarming"

During his visit, State Councilor Amesbauer was visibly delighted with his new “godchildren”: “The tapir family here in Herberstein is not only completely relaxed but also incredibly adorable. You can immediately tell how well Papa Gonzo, Mama Lelaila, and little Kylie are being cared for by the staff. Tierwelt Herberstein stands for active animal welfare, a high level of professional expertise, and a genuine commitment to species conservation. I am very pleased to be able to make a small contribution through this sponsorship.” The young tapir Kylie, in particular—who delights visitors with her striped juvenile coat and curious nature—provides many heartwarming moments in the South America House.

Joy for Visitors – Support for Animals

Animal sponsorships are an important part of the work at Tierwelt Herberstein. They help ensure that the animals receive proper care, food, and veterinary care, and make it possible to provide sustainable support for species conservation projects. At the same time, animals such as the tapir family provide thousands of visitors each year with unforgettable encounters with the wildlife of South America.

"For the Styrian State Zoo, every animal sponsorship is a moment of pure joy," says Karin Winkler of Tierwelt Herberstein with delight. "As a flagship tourist attraction in Eastern Styria, we delight both locals and vacationers with nature-based encounters with animals and authentic experiences. When a genuine connection is formed during a visit to Herberstein and guests decide to sponsor an animal, that’s the greatest compliment we could receive—and at the same time, a powerful sign of genuine appreciation and lasting support for our efforts in species conservation. “Anyone who has ever watched the tapirs as they calmly wander through their enclosure or happily dive into the water knows this: species conservation isn’t just important—it can also be truly enjoyable,” Amesbauer concluded with a wink.

© State of Styria/Office of Provincial Councilor Amesbauer