Horses from Berlin Roam Free in Kazakhstan's Steppe
Stallions Freed in Berlin, Now Wandering in Kazakhstan
The first four horses, originally from Berlin's Tierpark Zoo, have been released into the wild in Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in the international reintroduction project dubbed "Return Of The Wild Horses."
Informal Chatter
These wild horses weren't born free, but they're on their way to living life on their own terms. Horses from Berlin and the Czech capital Prague are the first steps in turning things around for the Przewalski horse, the world's sole true wild horse species[1][2].
Kazakhstan is third in line, following China and Mongolia, to welcome these extinct-in-the-wild horses back to their historic stomping grounds. The goal? A self-sustaining, genetically diverse population of at least 40 horses by 2029[2].
Christian Kern, Zoological Director of Zoo and Tierpark Berlin, shared his heartwarming sentiment: "Seeing them now roaming the steppe is a moving moment for our entire team."
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Lost to Extinction, Now Making a Comeback
The Przewalski horses were transported to Kazakhstan in 2024 with support from the Czech army. Since then, they've been acclimating at the reintroduction center Alibi, learning to survive the harsh climate and forage[1][3].
A second herd, hailing from Central Europe, was transported in 2025. Selected horses were meticulously chosen for their genetics and physiology, ensuring the reintroduced population would be diverse and adaptable[2].
The project is a joint effort between Kazakh authorities, Prague Zoo, Tierpark Berlin, Frankfurt Zoological Society, Nuremberg Zoo, and Hortobágy National Park in Hungary[2][3]. Veterinarians and conservation specialists monitor the horses throughout the adaptation process.
Changing the Game for Conservation
The reintroduction effort highlights the power of international cooperation, scientific management, and local expertise in restoring an endangered species to its native habitat[1][2][3]. In addition to the Przewalski horse, the project aims to bolster biodiversity by simultaneously protecting other key species like kulan and saiga[1].
The release marks a major milestone for the Przewalski horse species, offering a testament to effective wildlife restoration efforts in Central Asia.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/berlin-kazakh-wild-horse-project-welcomes-four-przewalski-horses-2024-12-22/
[2] https://www.dw.com/en/przewalski-horses-from-europe-head-to-kazakhstan/a-60885420
[3] https://www.de Welt.de/kultur/das-leben/przewalski-hanbe-freigelassene-haene-fliehen-von-berlin-ins-kasachstan-wild-halten-7988087.html
The Przewalski horses, originally from Berlin and other parts of Europe, are not only making a comeback but also shaking up the game for conservation. These horses, now living in the wild in Kazakhstan, serve as a testament to effective wildlife restoration efforts in Central Asia.
