They like to bathe, and will make treks to pools and rivers for this purpose. They swim well, climb well and bulldoze paths through the vegetation of their habitats. They tend to feed in the early or late hours of the day. They normally sleep during the middle part of the night. Tapirs are generally harmless, gentle and tame in captivity, but can be ferocious when provoked.
Tapirs are herbivorous and eat tree shoots, water plants' foliage and succulent herbs.
In Malaysian zoos, they eat the leaves and shoots of the Straits Rhododendrum, sweet potatoes, tapioca, among other foods. Tapis prefer a wet climate and usually live near water, although they are sometimes found in comparatively dry forests. The shape of the tapir is different from other animals. It is larger and higher on its hind and smaller on its fore. Its peculiar frame places more weight on the hind part of the body especially on its legs.