Taiwan zoo's endangered horses to feature in Lunar New Year events

Taipei Zoo will highlight its four Przewalski's horses during Lunar New Year displays beginning February 17, noting the species was once extinct in the wild and has since been reintroduced in parts of Asia.

Taipei Zoo plans to highlight its Przewalski's horses during Lunar New Year celebrations that begin on February 17. The zoo cares for four of the horses, a species that had disappeared from the wild by the late 1960s but persisted in captivity. Przewalski's horse has since been reintroduced in China, Kazakhstan and western Mongolia and now numbers about 850 across the region. The zoo has worked with Prague Zoo on breeding and reintroduction efforts and held talks to help visitors learn about the animals. Key facts: - Taipei Zoo has four Przewalski's horses and will feature them during Lunar New Year displays. - The Year of the Horse begins on February 17 and is observed in Taiwan, China, South Korea and parts of Southeast Asia. - Przewalski's horse disappeared from the wild by the end of the 1960s but was kept in captivity and later reintroduced in parts of Asia. - The species now numbers about 850 across the region, according to conservation tracking and zoo partnerships. - Taipei Zoo has collaborated with Prague Zoo, including work related to a 2018 release of horses in Mongolia. - Zookeeper Chen Yun-chieh has spent five years caring for these horses and has given talks to acquaint visitors with the species. Summary: The zoo's Lunar New Year displays are intended to draw attention to Przewalski's horse and to ongoing conservation and breeding partnerships. Undetermined at this time.