Saigas actually (wild or captivity)

[aramacao]

Hello everyone, I intend to make a short trip next year to see saigas, a totemic species for so many animal lovers. The problem is that, according to ZTL, there are only saigas in captivity in the whole world in Almaty (Kazakhstan). In fact, we're considering going to see them in the wild in Kazakhstan as a priority option, but we've contacted a company that offers photographic safaris in the area and they have not responded to us. Does anyone know how to see saigas today, either in the wild or in captivity? Thank you very much.

 

[PossumRoach]

I believe @carl the birder might have an idea. They have seen wild saiga before.

 

[aramacao]

Any news?

 

[Mr Gharial]

Any news?

Well, Saigas are the white whale of Zoochatters. Barely found in captivity and naturally occurring in countries that are rarely visited. I wish you good luck because I think you're on your own with this one...

 

[LaughingDove]

Have a look at mammalwatching.com there are a few trip reports that include saiga. A few are at Stepnoi Nature Reserve which is in Russia so perhaps not advisable for a visit at the moment.

There's a report from December 2023 with a Saiga sighting in Mongolia so maybe that's possible. Trip Report: Snow Leopard, Pallas’s Cat, Saiga Antelope in Winter – Mammal Watching

 

[Mr Gharial]

There's a report from December 2023 with a Saiga sighting in Mongolia so maybe that's possible. Trip Report: Snow Leopard, Pallas’s Cat, Saiga Antelope in Winter – Mammal Watching

iNaturalist also reports multiple Saiga sightings in Western Mongolia

 

[Jurek7]

Wild saigas can be easily seen in Mongolia on a tour organized by one of several local companies. A friend went for a 2 week truck 'safari' and saw and photographed saiga, Przewalski horses, argali and many other wild mammals and birds. Such a tour can be made shorter and cheaper if somebody wants only saigas (they are all custom made) but in any case, Mongolia is a vast country with lots of driving and there is more wildlife to see.

 

[aramacao]

I'm not planning to make such a huge trip at the moment. In 2025 I am planning a big trip to Japan (with visits to many zoos and aquariums) and I also intend to make some smaller trips around Europe. Kazakhstan is currently the only option for me to see saigas. We contacted a company that offered safaris to see saigas but they have not responded to us, so we will finally visit Almaty because they keep these animals in their zoo. It is not as romantic as seeing them in the wild, but it is better than nothing...