Prague, 2 September 2026 - A ceremonial event was held in Prague to mark the completion of the latest phase of the international project on the reintroduction of Przewalski's horses to Kazakhstan.
Opening the event, Lenka Polakova, Director of Prague Zoo, reviewed the project's achievements in 2026, including the successful transportation of another group of animals to the Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve, where they are currently undergoing adaptation before being released into their natural habitat.
Sincere appreciation was extended to the project's long-standing partners, including the highly qualified specialists of Altyn Dala, Tierpark Berlin, the relevant ministries and government agencies, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, pilots of the Czech Republic Air Force, as well as the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Czech Republic for their unwavering support of the "Return of the Wild Horses" initiative.
In his remarks, Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Czech Republic, emphasized that the noble work of this distinguished international team serves as a vivid example of how international cooperation can unite efforts to preserve biodiversity while further strengthening the traditionally friendly ties between Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic.
As part of the programme, certificates were presented to the project participants in recognition of their valuable contribution to the implementation of the initiative. Guests were also shown photographs and video materials highlighting the progress of the mission in Kazakhstan.
The project to return Przewalski's horses to Kazakhstan is one of the most successful examples of international cooperation in the field of nature conservation and the restoration of endangered species. Following the first transportation of the animals in 2024 and the continuation of the programme in 2025, this year's phase marked another important milestone in the implementation of the initiative.
One of the project's most significant achievements has been the birth of two Przewalski's horse foals in Kazakhstan, confirming the successful adaptation of the animals and marking a new chapter in the restoration of the population of this exceptionally rare species across the vast Kazakh steppes.
