Twice as much joy: Cologne Zoo welcomes two Przewalski foals!

Twice as much joy: Cologne Zoo welcomes two Przewalski foals!

There are two reasons to be happy at Cologne Zoo. The zoo welcomed two Przewalski foals this year. The stallion “Vitus” was born on May 16th and the mare “Vicky” on May 29th. This means that the herd in the zoo now includes a total of six animal residents. Vicky's mother is the eight-year-old "Luna", while the father of both foals is the talented breeding stallion "Vandan". These happy events contribute to increasing the population of this rare horse species, which was considered extinct in the wild in 1969 Review reported.

The biological background is exciting: Przewalski horses are currently considered “endangered” and are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. The Cologne Zoo has played a crucial role in the international conservation program of this species for over 30 years. In addition to breeding, it actively promotes new populations in Hungary and also supports reintroduction projects in countries such as Mongolia and China. Last year, for example, a group of seven Przewalski's horses were successfully released into the wild in Altyn Dala National Park in central Kazakhstan, supported by the Prague Zoo, which is heavily involved in the rescue program. Here too, since 1997, the Cologne Zoo has contributed both financially and with animal expertise and animals to support the Hortobagy Reserve, where some of the mares released into the wild come from, such as T Online highlights.

Existence and challenges

Przewalski's horses were once native to large parts of their homeland, but the current population in the wild is estimated to be around 180 pairs. All wild animals today are descended from specimens bred in zoos. Zoos' efforts to protect species are therefore particularly important - a successful example of what can be achieved through intensive and careful breeding. Every year between three and four mares from European zoos are sent to Mongolia to support the wild population.

The preservation of Przewalski's horses impressively shows how important the use of zoological institutions is for nature conservation. With innovative breeding programs and the successful settlement of the animals in their natural habitat, the Cologne Zoo has written a success story in species protection that can serve as a model for many other species. Social responsibility and commitment to endangered species are important aspects that benefit not only the zoo, but also the entire region, and one should be aware that such projects preserve valuable biodiversity.

For the Cologne Zoo itself, this development is a further step on the way to sustainably promoting species and nature conservation. The newcomers Vitus and Vicky are not only guarantees of the continued existence of their species, they also bring a breath of fresh air into the herd and strengthen efforts in international species protection.

For all nature lovers and interested parties, the situation surrounding the Przewalski horses and the committed activities in the Cologne Zoo remain at the top of the observation agenda.