Some additional information on the Przewalski horse rescue:
We finally did it!!! After 12 months of sheer determination, dedication, passion, and a lot of hard work, we have successfully relocated the first of three herds of abandoned wild Przewalski’s horses to Zambi. It still feels surreal to see this magnificent herd arrive safely in their new home.
This has been one of the largest rescue missions of a truly wild horse species ever accomplished, and words can’t begin to describe the elation of the Zambi team.
The Przewalski’s horse is the only true wild horse left in the world. Once declared extinct in their native regions of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China, they’ve been slowly reintroduced through zoo breeding programs. But they remain highly endangered, and global conservation efforts are critical to their survival.
These particular horses were abandoned years ago by a private zoo owner in Mulgoa, NSW. Unable to be captured, they roamed the scrublands of Fernhill Estate, suffering horrific injuries and deaths due to unsafe fencing and stallion fights. Despite many failed rescue attempts over the years, their future looked bleak.
When the property was acquired by the government and entrusted to Greater Sydney Parklands (GSP), they knew something had to be done. GSP reached out to Zambi, and together we began the journey to save these incredible animals. GSP generously funded the construction of expansive enclosures with shelters, natural dams, shady trees, grassy pastures, and veterinary facilities.
But the real challenge was safely relocating these wild horses. Thanks to our global network of wildlife professionals, and the extraordinary efforts of Zelie and Craig Bullen and their children Colt and Blaze, we achieved what many thought was impossible. The Bullen family, known for their work in the film industry with horses, put their lives and income on hold to make this happen — and we are forever grateful.
We also extend our deepest thanks to:
Dr Benn Bryant, Australia’s leading Przewalski’s horse vet, The Sydney Zoo vet team, especially Dr Kresen Pillay and nurse Vivien Vu, Jason Pearsonfrom Zoo to Zoo Transport, Barbora Dobiasova, European species coordinator and our neighbour and Olympic horseman, Greg McDermott, for his ongoing support
The Bullen family will remain on-site to help the horses settle in and train our staff — but this is just the beginning. Two more herds still need to be rescued, and the long-term care of these horses is a massive undertaking.
