In an ambitious conservation effort, Prague Zoo has announced plans to reintroduce forty Przewalski’s horses, the last wild horse species on the planet, into the Golden Steppe of Kazakhstan. This initiative, part of the “Return of the Wild Horses” project started in 2011, marks a significant step towards the preservation and restoration of these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
From Prague to the Golden Steppe
The first batch of eight horses, selected from Prague’s Kbely and Berlin, is set to embark on their journey to Kazakhstan on June 4th. This move comes after the successful reintroduction of horses into Mongolia, with Prague Zoo now turning its attention to Kazakhstan, a region where Przewalski’s horses historically roamed. The collaboration between the Czech and Kazakh governments, solidified by a memorandum signed last spring, underscores the international commitment to wildlife conservation.
Choosing Altyn Dala
The selection of Altyn Dala, or the Golden Steppe, as the reintroduction site was made after careful consideration. According to Miroslav Bobek, the director of Prague Zoo, the area offers several advantages: it’s a vast, usable steppe with minimal risk of conflict between livestock herders and the wild horses, and it already hosts infrastructure built for the reintroduction of the kulan, a subspecies of the Asian wild ass.
The Journey and Selection Process
Transporting the horses to their new home involves meticulous planning. The animals must meet specific criteria regarding age, gender, and temperament to ensure their successful adaptation to the wild. Prague Zoo, in collaboration with Berlin, has pre-selected more horses than needed, with the final choice being made just before departure. The journey will be facilitated by military aircraft from both Prague and Berlin, highlighting the logistical efforts involved in this conservation mission.
Financing the Mission
The financial burden of the transport is borne by Prague Zoo, funded through ticket sales, with a portion of each ticket contributing to the conservation project, and donations to the “Help Them Survive” campaign. This initiative reflects the zoo’s commitment to leveraging public support for significant conservation efforts.
Expanding the Effort
Beyond Kazakhstan, Prague Zoo is preparing to reintroduce Przewalski’s horses into Eastern Mongolia, aiming to enhance the genetic diversity of the local populations. With 38 horses already sent to Mongolia as part of the project, the zoo’s efforts represent a substantial contribution to the global conservation of Przewalski’s horses.
A Historical Perspective
Przewalski’s horses, discovered by Russian geographer Nikolai Przhevalsky and described by Ivan Semyonovich Polyakov in 1881, were once on the brink of extinction. Thanks to international efforts initiated in 1959, with Prague Zoo playing a pivotal role, the species has been saved from vanishing in the wild. Today, approximately 800 individuals live in Mongolia, with another 200 in China, and a stable population maintained in European breeding programs.
This groundbreaking project not only aims to restore a vital part of Kazakhstan’s natural heritage but also serves as a beacon of hope for conservationists worldwide. By reintroducing Przewalski’s horses to the Golden Steppe, Prague Zoo and its partners are writing a new chapter in the story of one of the planet’s most iconic wild horse species, demonstrating the power of international collaboration and the impact of dedicated conservation efforts.