Tetrapod Zoology

Possibly the world’s first knitted babirusa

Posted by Darren Naish on March 28, 2010
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I like to think that I’ve done my bit for babirusa promotion. Hopefully you agree. And babirusas could do with lots of promotion – not only are they fascinating and bizarre, they’re globally endangered and in real need of protection (if you want to know more, check out Babirusa.org).

I’m pleased to announce that my babirusa articles here at Tet Zoo have not only inspired an endearing cartoon, but something equally fantastic and captivating… a knitted babirusa!

Sasha Kopf – or Tapir Girl, if you prefer – mostly knits tapirs (as you can see from her collection of photos here). She’s produced versions of all…. currently recognised…. extant tapir species. Wow. Already I’m impressed (and wondering how I can get one: preferably a Malayan :) ). But – oh my god – she was inspired enough by Tet Zoo to produce a babirusa! Thank you Sasha, babirusas worldwide are in your debt.

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For previous babirusa articles see…

Coming next: cuckoo-rollers!

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Comments

  1. #1 Neil
    March 28, 2010

    HA thats brilliant!

  2. #2 Erika
    March 28, 2010

    So cute! I want one :)

  3. #3 Lilian Nattel
    March 28, 2010

    Awesome knitting!

  5. #5 Albertonykus
    March 28, 2010

    Astounding!

  6. #6 Hai~Ren
    March 28, 2010

    That’s so cute!

  7. #7 Zach Miller
    March 28, 2010

    I wonder what the tusks are made of. That’s really first-rate work!

  8. #8 Tapir Girl
    March 28, 2010

    Hi – I’m the Tapir Girl who made the babirusa. I’m glad you like it! The tusks are cut from a plastic yogurt container – there’s nothing like genuine plastic yogurt container ivory!

    I’ve finally set up a little shop on Etsy, so if you’re interested in having a babirusa or a tapir of your very own, that’s the place to go. http://tinyurl.com/ybghgdh Part of the proceeds from the sales of tapirs will go to tapir research and preservation efforts, and I’d love to do the same for the babirusas, if anyone has ideas of where the funds would best be directed.

  9. #9 Ungulate Dave
    March 29, 2010

    Great work Tapir Girl!

    This may be a happily growing trend. A friend of mine also knits animals; red river hogs, tapirs, okapis, whales, vicunas …you name it! Don’t know whether you can access this link, but you can see them here:

    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=562151419&aid=2148&s=0&hash=d95a0315681c4faf8b91a7a33be220be

    Cheers!

  10. #10 Rosel
    March 29, 2010

    Adorable! I want to knit one too.

  11. #11 Jerzy
    March 29, 2010

    Now, waiting for the world’s first knitted anteater!

  12. #12 Chris
    March 30, 2010

    TapirGirl and friends: I know knitters on Ravelry.com who would be VERY interested in purchasing patterns (hint ;) . Totally lovable!

  13. #13 seabold
    March 31, 2010

    check out http://www.tapirback.com too. They have all sorts of stuff on there.