In a historic event, seven endangered Przewalski’s horses have been returned to the Golden Steppe of Kazakhstan, their original home. These wild horses, the only remaining truly wild horse species on Earth, were once common in Central Asia but were nearly wiped out due to farming and other human activities.
Prague Zoo, entrusted with the international studship of Przewalski’s horses since 1959, has been instrumental in restoring the species to their natural habitat. After decades of conservation efforts, the zoo has been gradually reintroducing Przewalski’s horses into Central Asia.
The recent transport to Kazakhstan included four horses named Tessa, Wespe, Umbra, and Sary, who traveled by plane and truck from Berlin. They were joined by Zorro, Zeta II, and Ypsilonka, who had arrived earlier. The horses are being kept in two large paddocks in Altyn Dala, where they will acclimatize to their new environment for a year before being released into the wild.
Before their release, the horses need to demonstrate their resilience to the harsh conditions of the Golden Steppe, including frost, parasites, and heavy snow. This reintroduction program is a testament to the dedication and hard work of conservationists, and it marks a significant step towards the recovery of this endangered species.
Prague Zoo is committed to continuing its efforts, with plans to transport at least 40 Przewalski’s horses to Kazakhstan and to send some to Mongolia in 2026, where a successful reintroduction program has already seen the population of these magnificent animals grow to over 850.
