Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Rebuilding in the Wild
Breeding Programs
Habitat loss and competition with livestock caused drastic declines of Przewalski's horses, and by the 1960s they were declared extinct in the wild. Zoo breeding programs rebuilt wild populations from a mere 14 individuals.
As part of the Zoo, our Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) manages large herd of Przewalski's horses at our Front Royal, Virginia campus. This breeding program helps the population stay healthy and genetically diverse. SCBI scientists were the first to produce foals using artificial insemination and have also had great success with natural breeding. In spring 2018, SCBI celebrated four foal births to four different mares.
High-Tech Tracking
Przewalski's horses are being reintroduced to protected areas in their native range. SCBI scientists monitor the horses' movements using camera traps and satellite tracking collars. The information gathered helps us better understand threats to the horses' long-term survival, with the ultimate goal of supporting and expanding self-sustaining herds in the wild.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 2018.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Trail Transformed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bald Eagle (about 400 feet away); A Capital Bird (about 400 feet away); Smithsonian's National Zoo (about 400 feet away); Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (about 500 feet away); Elephant Community Center (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (about 600 feet away); The Nut Seekers (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
