A much-loved tapir at Longleat Safari Park who has given life to three generations of the endangered species, has died aged 28.

Jessie the tapir, who was born in 1996, moved to Longleat in Wiltshire in November 1997 and has lived there longer than some of her keepers have been alive.

The great, great-grandmother has been a vital part of the international breeding programme and has brought three generations of new life for the endangered species.

But after 28 years, Longleat Safari Park has paid tribute to the much-loved tapir, who died on September 3, 2024.

The 'keeper's favourite' has been remembered as a lover of treats and cuddles who would "do anything for watermelons and hot cross buns."

Jessie on her 20th birthday enjoying her birthday treatJessie on her 20th birthday enjoying her birthday treat (Image: Longleat Safari Park)

"It is with sadness keepers at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire have announced the death of popular tapir, Jessie, at the age of 28," said a spokesperson for the safari park.

"Jessie, who was a great, great grandmother, has descendants living across Europe as part of the international breeding programme. She had been receiving palliative care for the last few months."

Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, added: “She is very much going to be missed.

"Jessie recognised her keepers and would roll over for them and loved her tummy being scratched. She was popular with them and with our guests.

“She has struggled with her movement over recent months, and we moved to palliative care to ensure she was as comfortable as possible. However, she deteriorated over the last few days and she was put to sleep yesterday morning.”

Jessie with her son GomezJessie with her son Gomez (Image: Longleat Safari Park)

Jessie is the mother of four tapirs - Denzil (2000), Chico (2002), Gomez (2006) and Hugo (2007).

Her son Denzil, who now lives in Exmoor Zoo, has fathered eight more calves, which has resulted in seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Chico is dad to Tallulah, who can still be seen at Longleat, as well as six other offspring. But Chico, along with siblings Gomez and Hugo, have since moved to other zoos.

This family have been vital to keeping to Tapir species going, as the species which is found in the jungles and forests of South and Central America and Southeast Asia, is classified as endangered.