An adorable baby lowland tapir that has been likened to a ‘tiny watermelon’ has been born at a UK zoo.

The rare male calf arrived at Hertfordshire Zoo on July 8 after mother Fifi completed a remarkable 430-day pregnancy.

The birth is being celebrated as a major conservation milestone for the threatened species, which is classified as vulnerable in the wild.

The newborn was on its feet within just 10 minutes of being born before successfully taking its first vital feed from its mother.

The baby lowland tapir arrived at Hertfordshire Zoo on July 8

Lowland tapir Fifi, who gave birth to the rare male calf, with zookeeper Jess at Hertfordshire Zoo

Lowland tapir Fifi undergoing ultrasound at Hertfordshire Zoo

Fifi with James zookeeper at Hertfordshire Zoo. Fifi had a remarkable 430-day pregnancy

The lowland tapir calf at Hertfordshire Zoo. The newborn was on its feet within just 10 minutes of being born

Baby lowland tapirs are born with distinctive brown coats covered in white stripes and spots, providing natural camouflage on the forest floor. 

Their eye-catching markings have earned them comparisons to miniature watermelons before they gradually fade as the calves mature.