Przewalski's horse departed from Beekse Bergen for reintroduction to the wild

A Przewalski's horse has departed from Beekse Bergen to be released into the wild. Thanks to the cooperation of European zoos, the species, originally extinct in the wild, is being reintroduced on the grassy plains of Kazakhstan.

Przewalski's horses originally occurred on the grassy plains of Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. The species became extinct in the wild due to hunting and habitat loss. Przewalski's horses were found only in zoos. Through the cooperation of European zoos, it is now possible to reintroduce populations back into the wild.

For the reintroduction project in Kazakhstan, eight horses will be released into the designated area this year. The ultimate goal is to place a herd of 35 horses there.

The mare from Beekse Bergen was selected for several reasons. Curator Lars Versteege: "The particular horse was chosen because she is young adult and stands her ground against the other horses. We also looked at the animal's genes and they are perfect for breeding once in Kazakhstan."

Collaboration
Almost every animal species has its own European management program, called an EEP. The coordination of an EEP lies with a European zoo, in this case the Prague Zoo. The coordinator manages all information of the species and makes recommendations regarding the exchange of individual horses with the goal: a healthy reserve population in zoos. If it is possible to release animals into the wild, the coordinator also determines which animals that will be.

The coordinator has made a selection of genetically interesting horses. At Tiergarten Berlin, these animals are currently being collected and introduced after which the group will make the journey to Kazakhstan. Versteege: "Without the cooperation of European zoos, such reintroductions would not be possible."

Biodiversity
Animals in zoos serve as reserve populations. When a species becomes extinct in its natural habitat, these animals are still preserved. As soon as conditions allow, the animals are released into the wild. The conditions, however, are that the habitat is completely safe and large enough to feed and house a healthy population. "It occurs very sporadically," Versteege says. "That's why it's extra special that in the case of these Przewalski's horses it has therefore succeeded."

The release of the horses in Kazakhstan has major positive effects on the biodiversity of nature in this area. Versteege: "Large grazers are known as forest guards. The grazing of these horses ensures that the grassland does not become heathland and the soil is fertilized. And just imagine: a horse walks across the plain, an insect jumps up and a bird has its food again. It is of course fantastic that Beekse Bergen is doing its bit for the biodiversity of this country with one genetically healthy Przewalski's horse."

Stay up to date with the latest animal news and current events at Beekse Bergen? Then subscribe here in for the Beekse Bergen newsletter.