Cloned Przewalski’s Horse Learning the Language of Wild Horses

Burtis DM director of wildlife care San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Because Kurt was not born into a herd he didnt know the behavioural language that is unique to Przewalskis horses. Our first step to socialize him was introducing him to Holly. 
Holly arrived at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in May 2021. Just a few months older than Kurt Holly was raised in a Przewalskis horse herd and had the full repertoire of wild horse language to share. Wildlife care specialists at the Safari Park introduced the two hoping that Holly could serve as a mentor and teacher to Kurt. 
After some behavioural sparring the two have settled into an affectionate pairing. Kurt and Holly have been in a secluded private habitat since their arrival at the Safari Park. They were recently introduced to the Safari Parks Central Asia field habitat where they are now viewable by guests. This move will further prepare them to soon join the larger herd of Przewalskis horses and the plan is for Kurt to be the breeding stallion when he reaches maturity at three to four years of age. 
Kurt is significant to his species because he offers the hope of bringing back lost genetic diversity to the population said Dr. Nadine Lamberski chief conservation and wildlife health officer San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. It is imperative to do everything we can to save this genetic diversity before it disappears.