DUDLEY Zoological Gardens is celebrating World Tapir Day today (April 27).

The annual event aims to raise awareness of the endangered species and zoo staff will be marking the occasion by raising money for World Land Trust, by offering Saturday and Sunday visitors a chance to tickle 14 year-old Brazilian tapirs Meena and Chico.

DZG assistant curator Jay Haywood said: “We’re keen to support the work of World Land Trust, which works to purchase acres of tropical forest and create nature reserves to protect threatened habitats and wildlife, including tapirs.

“Tapirs are an herbivorous species and live in jungle and forest regions of South America, Central America and South East Asia so they’re usually among the first animals affected by human activity including deforestation, road building, agriculture and mining.”

Visitors to the zoo can learn more about tapirs during an additional talk outside the South American paddock at 11.30am on both days over the weekend.

Staff will also be selling tickets for the chance to win a close encounter with Meena and Chico and a cuddly tapir toy worth £16.99.

The winners will be drawn at 3pm each day.