Very Fragile Relationships

Director´s view

Miroslav Bobek  |  13. 07. 2015


One week ago, when after a rather difficult transport from Dolní Dobřejov, we released four mares of Przewalski´s Horse to the acclimatization enclosure in Gobi, we felt we could finally take a rest. Finished, done. But for Querida, Rabea, Kíra and Paradise this moment is only the beginning of their new life in the habitat, to which they belong ... They will stay in Tachin Tal under the supervision of the rangers for about a year, and only then they will get the chance to run freely across the endless Mongolian landscape. Just like the three mares whom we released from the acclimatization enclosure exactly six days ago.

The mares, transported to Mongolia one week ago are calmly walking around the acclimatization enclosure in SPA Gobi B. From the left Querida, Kirá, Rabea and Paradise. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo The mares, transported to Mongolia one week ago are calmly walking around the acclimatization enclosure in SPA Gobi B. From the left Querida, Kirá, Rabea and Paradise. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

However, the truth is that the mares that we transport to the Gobi B Strictly Protected Area are not staying in the acclimatization enclosures alone. Two wild stallions - Mogoi and Erkhes - had been checking out the mares, we brought in 2012. Erkhes, the second one, sized up his chances. He chased away his competitor and stayed near the enclosure with the mares for so long that the rangers finally let him go in. These four mares comprise Erkhes´s harem today and so far they have given him three foals. However, after more than two years of life in the wild they are so shy that it is impossible to approach them from closer than two kilometres.

Mogoi had to wait for the four mares whom we brought to Gobi in summer 2013. Being faithful to his name, which means Snake, he sneaked into the enclosure with them through the stream of a small river. For a long time he lived only with these four mares - first in the acclimatization enclosure and then in the wild; only few weeks ago he got a fifth one. It was the first evidence that he is able to break through.

Also the three mares, brought to Gobi last year, did not stay alone. The rangers of the protected area gave them the opportunity to become part of the harem of the young stallion Tanan, yet in the acclimatization enclosure. Together with them this harem was created by another five mares and two foals. But everything changed only few hours after this herd ran out of the enclosure. Tanan led them to the South-West and the same evening he bumped into Mogoi. Something unexpected happened: Mogoi took over the whole Tanan´s harem! So Tanan remained alone and Mogoi is leading a herd of 13 mares and 2 foals.

The herd, led by Tanan, including also the three mares, transported to Mongolia last year, is running out of the acclimatization enclosure. Nobody, who was watching this moment on Tuesday afternoon, would realize, that the same day in the evening Tanan would lose his harem. Photo Khalil Baalbaki, Prague Zoo

In light of this unexpected setback we will be even more anxious to get news from Gobi. I am personally very curious if Mogoi is able to keep his large harem, and which of the stallions will first of all become interested in Querida, Rabea, Kíra and Paradise.

Director of SPA Gobi B Ganbaatar watches “his” Przewalski´s Horses. There are also students from Ulanbatar there to help him and the rangers. Photo Khalil Baalbaki, Prague Zoo

Miroslav Bobek, Director, Prague Zoo


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