Przewalski’s Horse Foal Gallops in to Life at Whipsnade

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: August 5, 2021 1:00 am

The prezwalski’s horse foal at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo gallops across a paddock

Photo Credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo have introduced a Przewalski’s horse foal born on July 17th at the UK’s largest zoo.

The foal has been exploring the paddock with her mother, Charlotte and older sister. Charlotte gave birth in a secluded area of the paddock to the healthy mother.

A prezwalski’s horse foal born at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo on July 17th 2021

Photo Credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Keepers at the zoo sent photos of the foal to ZSL conservationists working in Mongolia and asked them to name the foal. They chose “Sooton” for the name meaning “sassy and vigilant” in Mongolian.

ZSL have worked as part of a collaborative conservation effort to save the Przewalski’s wild horse in the wild. This species was previously classed as extinct in the wild. Releases from captive populations have led to the species being relisted as critically endangered in 2008 and then again to endangered in 2011.

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Team leader Mark Holden said: “We are delighted to welcome another Przewalski’s foal to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, boosting the number of these incredible, Endangered animals – the last remaining species of truly wild horse left in the world.

“While we monitored the situation carefully, we also knew that, as an experienced mum, Charlotte would know just what to do, and that she would care wonderfully for her newborn foal. She’s been very protective, so we’ve kept our distance, happy to see that Sooton’s suckling and developing well.

“Sooton has mostly stayed close to her mum and her big sister Shargahan but is just starting to stretch her legs and try to gallop.”

The Przewalski’s Horse Foal is pictured with its mother and sister at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Photo Credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Prewalski’s wild horse’s are considered to be the last truly wild horse. As they are not descended from domestic horses they are still considered wild rather than simply “feral.”

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s largest zoo and is celebrating its 90th birthday in 2021.

The Przewalski’s Horse Foal is pictured with its sister at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Photo Credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Learn more about Prezwalski’s Wild Horse here – Prezwalski’s Wild Horse Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about ZSL Whipsnade Zoo on their website – ZSL Whipsnade Zoo