Taiwan Zoo's Przewalski's horses to feature in Lunar New Year events

Taipei Zoo will highlight its four Przewalski's horses during Lunar New Year celebrations beginning February 17; the species was once extinct in the wild and has since been reintroduced, bringing the regional total to about 850.

Taipei Zoo is planning special attention for its four Przewalski's horses as the Lunar New Year approaches. The Year of the Horse begins on February 17 and attracts celebrations across Taiwan and other parts of East and Southeast Asia. The animals are an endangered species native to central Asia that disappeared from the wild in the late 1960s and later returned through reintroduction programs. The zoo has participated in international breeding and release efforts connected to Prague Zoo. What is known: - Taipei Zoo has four Przewalski's horses and will feature them during Lunar New Year events. - The species disappeared from the wild by the late 1960s but some individuals remained in captivity and were used for reintroduction. - Reintroductions have taken place in China, Kazakhstan and western Mongolia, and the regional population is reported at about 850. - Taipei Zoo has worked with Prague Zoo on breeding and conservation, including assistance linked to a 2018 release in Mongolia. - Zookeeper Chen Yun-chieh has cared for the animals for several years, has given talks to visitors, and noted people sometimes confuse these horses with those associated with historical figures, which he says is a different species. Summary: The zoo's display is timed to the Year of the Horse celebrations beginning on February 17 and aims to draw public attention to the Przewalski's horse and ongoing conservation efforts. It highlights connections between local cultural observances and international breeding and reintroduction programs. Undetermined at this time.