In a bold move for global conservation, 28 Przewalski’s horses are set to roam free in Dunhuang Xihu National Nature Reserve. This milestone follows decades of dedicated breeding and science-driven care.
Since the 1980s, breeding centers on the Chinese mainland have turned zoo populations into robust herds. The Gansu facility, among others, has meticulously managed gene pools, boosting numbers from a handful of imports to hundreds ready for the wild.
“Watching these horses return to their ancestral lands shows what’s possible when communities, scientists, and policymakers unite,” says a reserve ecologist. Satellite tracking and population modeling ensure each release maximizes survival and genetic health.
China’s role in this effort highlights the power of international collaboration. As 28 horses gallop into the desert grasslands, they carry with them a story of resilience—and a powerful reminder of what collective action can achieve for endangered species worldwide.
For travelers and digital nomads, this success underscores responsible ecotourism’s role in protecting wild ecosystems. Discovering these horses against the vast Dunhuang dunes offers a unique window into nature’s comeback.
Reference(s):
A new herd for the wild: China rewilds 28 Przewalski's horses
cgtn.com
