Red River Zoo Welcomes Two Rare Wild Horses, Viktor and Virgil

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The Przewalski’s horse, or the Mongolian wild horse, is the last remaining wild horse species in the world. There are approximately 1,500 of these horses alive, and the Red River Zoo has made a home for two of them.

“They are an amazing animal with just a beautiful story, so one of hope. One of hope, endurance, and partnership, much like the Red River Zoo itself. These animals were actually extinct at one point in the wild, but a small population remained in zoos all around the world. So there was a global and collaborative effort to breed them and populate the wild,” said Sally Mulvena, President and CEO of Red River Valley Zoo.

Viktor and Vergil are brothers. The older horse is two years old, the younger brother is just one. The horses resemble ponies with a stocky build and zebra-like hair.

“We were really surprised, you know, they really settled in nicely. Sometimes the animals take a bit more time behind the scenes, but these guys seem to love it out front. Though if you do visit the zoo, they do still have access to their back pasture just in case they want to go back and relax. We’re still in that kind of period of time where they’re getting used to everything. But I would say just in a few hours they were, hey, this is home,” said Mulvena.

The Red River Zoo has been a home to many animals throughout the years. Making sure that each animal gets the care they need in the environment that Fargo has.

“Our mission has always been for a specific set of animals. Animals that can do really well here in North Dakota, and to do the best that we can for the animals that we can. So, we’re really proud to be a part of this effort as well as all the other conservation efforts we have here at the Red River Zoo,” said Mulvena.

The horses can be seen at the Zoo during regular hours, 7 days a week from 10 am-6 pm.