10 Adorable Baby Animals That Look Nothing Like Their Parents

2. The Surprising Cuteness of Baby Tapirs

Tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals with a distinctive pig-like snout, often compared to a cross between a pig and an elephant. However, their babies look nothing like their parents. Baby tapirs are born with a coat of white stripes and spots, resembling a watermelon or a fawn. This camouflage helps them blend into the forest floor, protecting them from predators. As they grow, these markings fade, and they develop the more somber coloration of adult tapirs. The stark contrast between the appearance of baby and adult tapirs showcases the fascinating ways in which nature equips young animals for survival.