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Photos: The world’s last wild horses make a return in Mongolia
The wild horses of Mongolia are believed to have been tamed by the armies of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Of all the species they domesticated, there remained one they couldn't break. The Przewalski’s horse, now the only truly wild horses in the world are now making a slow recovery from the brink of extinction.
Updated on: Jun 29, 2017 9:53 AM IST
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The very sight of wild horses symbolises freedom, but most Mongol horses are not truly wild. Most breeds claim descent from domesticated horses, possibly tamed by the armies of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. But for all the skills and passion of these ‘Hell’s Horsemen’ there remained one horse they never could tame - Przewalski’s horse. These horses are now the only truly wild horses anywhere in the world. After being driven to the brink of extinction, they are now making a slow recovery. A Czech military CASA aircraft with four mares of the Przewalski’s horse arrived in Mongolia after a 20 hour flight with stopovers in Russia’s Kazan and Novosibirsk. (David W Cerny/REUTERS)
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Przewalski's horses graze at the acclimatisation enclosure in the early morning hours at the Takhin Tal National Park, part of the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area, in south-west Mongolia. (David W Cerny / REUTERS)
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A Przewalski's horse leaves its container after being released at Takhin Tal National Park. (David W Cerny / REUTERS)
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The horses are short and muscular, smaller than most domesticated horses and a little more than 4ft (1.2m). Their coats range from brown to dun, with a pale underbelly and muzzle. A dark dorsal stripe runs from the mane, down the spine, to a black-ish tail. Unlike domestic horses, their mane is short and stands upward, like a mohawk. (David W Cerny / REUTERS)
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Trucks carrying Przewalski's horses drive to Takhin Tal National Park, part of the Gobi B Strictly Protected Area. (David W Cerny / REUTERS)
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Mongolian workers unload containers containing Przewalski's horses at Takhin Tal National Park. (David W Cerny / REUTERS)
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A Przewalski's horse peers out of a container on the way to Takhin Tal National Park. (David W Cerny/REUTERS)
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