Przewalski’s Horse

One of the most remarkable comeback stories is that of Przewalski’s horse (pronounced SHUL-VAAL-SKEE), a critically endangered wild horse species native to Mongolia which 54 years ago was listed as extinct in the wild. Today, this rare equine’s population has made a significant recovery, thanks to coordinated captive breeding and conservation efforts by accredited zoos and global organizations, and the successful reintroduction of the species to national parks in Mongolia and China.

Now, for the first time in SF Zoo’s long history, we are proud to welcome a pair of Przewalski’s horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) and share the story of this ancient species, known as the last truly wild horse, as they have never been domesticated. In the Mongolian language, they are called “takhi,” which means spirit as they are much revered, and also known as the Mongolian wild horse. Come see our two new females – a 17-year-old and a 22-year-old, recently transferred here from the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. At this time, they will reside in the stable and field in the area known as the Asian conservation zone on the south side of the Zoo.