Przewalski's Horse

Equus przewalksi

Though closely related to the domestic horse, Przewalski’s horse has never been domesticated and is truly a wild horse. Highly social, the horses live in harems consisting of a single male and several females. Young males often form bachelor groups until they are able to lead their own harem.

Nibbling each others' backs and sides is a sign of alliance between group members.
Within half an hour of its birth, a foal is on its feet and moving with the herd.
In the face of natural predators like wolves, mares will surround the foals to protect them while the stallion charges at the intruders.

Fact File

Pronunciation: sheh-VAL-skee
Length: Up to 7 ft
Weight: Up to 770 lbs
Lifespan: 20 yrs in captivity
Habitat: Dry grasslands and desert
Diet: Primarily grass, some bark, leaves, fruits, and roots
Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Critically Endangered )

Return to the Zoo

Wild Again:

Once extinct in the wild, small herds of Przewalski’s horses now run free thanks to captive breeding in zoos and reintroduction programs.

Range:

Mongolia