Wild horses enjoying new hilltop views at the zoo

A pair of rare “wild horses” once extinct in the wild are enjoying panoramic views of the Scottish capital for the first time – after moving into a new home at Edinburgh Zoo.

Male Przewalski’s horses Och and Tomor have been transferred to a new hilltop habitat at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction.

The world’s only true wild horses, Przewalski’s were once extinct in the wild until a small captive-bred population was reintroduced in Mongolia in the 1990s.

The breed – also known as the takhi or Mongolian wild horse – is now listed as Endangered.

Johnny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Our two takhi boys, Och and Tomor, have moved to a large habitat at the top of Corstorphine Hill.

“With stunning views over Edinburgh, their new space features a pond, gorse and plenty of grass to graze.

“On clear days, visitors can see Edinburgh Castle, across to Leith and all the way out to the Firth of Forth beyond.”

Och and Tomor arrived at Edinburgh Zoo in 2021. The species’ return from extinction in the wild shows the importance of carefully managed captive populations for safeguarding threatened wildlife.

Once the rare horses settle into their new hilltop home, they will eventually share the large open space with the zoo’s camels.