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 The population of the once-extinct
Mongolian wild horse is making a dramatic turnaround–thanks
to the direct support of the Minnesota Zoo. One of the Zoo’s
former stallions has successfully sired six offspring that have
not only been released into the wild but are continuing to produce
offspring of their own.
Minnesota Zoo stallion “Amara,” whose name means “peace” in
Mongolian, was sent to the Foundation for the Protection and
Preservation of the Przewalski Horse in 1990 in an effort to
promote international conservation efforts for this species by
transferring valuable genetics overseas. His offspring—two
stallions and four mares—were later released at the Hustai
National Park in Mongolia, which has released close to 160 horses
thus far.
Otherwise known as Przewalski’s horses or “takhi,” Mongolian
wild horses have been considered extinct in the wild since 1969.
Thanks to recent conservation efforts, there are now over 200
of these animals in the wild. In 2004 alone, twenty-six foals
were born at the Park and survived: five of them were descendants
of Amara. Another Mongolian reserve, Takhin Tal, has released
over 40 to date.
The Minnesota Zoo has exhibited Mongolian wild horses since
it opened in 1978 and has produced 40 horses for zoos across
the United States. The Zoo has very recently provided additional
financial support that has helped Hustai Park by funding the
purchase of a snowmobile that will help Mongolian rangers patrol
the park during the winter months; observing the horses; and
providing supplementary feed during harsh conditions.
Hustai National Park
Hustai National Park lies in the foothills of the southern Khenti
Mountain Range about 100 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar, the capital
city of Mongolia. Formerly called “Hustai Nuruu Reserve,” the
area was once used as a hunting ground for Bogd Khaan, the
last ruling Khaan of Mongolia, and afterwards by Mongolian
political officials. In March 1993, the park was upgraded from
protected-area status to reserve status and conservation measures
were strengthened. In 1998, the area's status was again upgraded
and Hustai Nuruu Reserve became Hustai National Park. As a national
park, regulations on land use were tightened and all grazing
and hunting was forbidden, allowing the Park to move closer to
establishing a viable, self-sustaining population of Mongolian
wild horses—the world’s last wild horses.
Mongolian Wild Horses (Przewalski’s
horse)
Originally found throughout the steppes of Eurasia, the existence
of the Mongolian wild horse was first reported to the western
world in the late 1800's by Nicolai Przewalski, a Russian explorer.
Forced by human encroachment into the western and northern
borders of the Gobi Desert, Mongolian wild horses live in marginal
habitat with stony, sandy soil and shrubby vegetation. They
are believed to have existed since 20,000 BC, predating the
evolution of the domestic horse, and are genetically distinct:
while domesticated horses have 64 chromosomes, the Mongolian
wild horse has 66.
Although Mongolian wild horses look very similar to domestic
horses, they are a wild species that have never been domesticated
or ridden. Stocky animals with short, strong necks, their bodies
are a sandy-dune color which fades to cream toward their bellies.
They have stripes across the back of their legs like zebras and
their nose (known as a "mealy nose") is a pale cream
colour. Naturally shy, Mongolian wild horses were reported to
run away from humans when they were first discovered. Many generations
in captivity diminished some of their cautious nature; however,
the horses released at the park are again learning to be wary
of humans and will not allow researchers to come within reach.
More Information
Learn more a bout Mongolian wild horses on
our website
Listen to a report about Mongolian wild horses on Public Radio's
The World
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