Abandoned by mother, rare wild foal discovers new life with grieving domestic mare in need.

APPLE VALLEY, Minn. — A remarkable story of resilience and nurturing unfolds at the Minnesota Zoo, where an endangered wild Asian horse foal named Marat is thriving thanks to an unexpected caregiver. Born nearly two months ago, Marat, a Przewalski’s horse, faced a critical health crisis shortly after his birth. Despite receiving intensive care, he was rejected by his mother upon returning to her. His situation appeared dire until Alice, a domestic Pony of the Americas who had recently lost her own foal, accepted Marat as her own.

This case of surrogacy with Asian wild horses is reportedly one of the first of its kind, bringing a glimmer of hope to Marat’s caretakers. They chose the name Marat, which means “one who is brave,” reflecting his challenges from the very beginning. Przewalski’s horses are known as the last truly wild horse species, having been declared extinct in the wild during the 1960s. Just a few of them survived in zoos, but successful breeding efforts have led to their re-establishment in the steppes of Mongolia and China.

With fewer than 2,000 remaining, each foal plays a crucial role in the species’ survival. According to Kurt Heizmann, the zoo’s director of animal care, Przewalski’s horses have distinct behavioral traits as they have never been domesticated. Marat was born with limb issues that made standing difficult, and he developed bacterial sepsis after struggling to keep up with his mother. His recovery involved care from the University of Minnesota’s equine intensive care unit.

When Marat’s mother, Nady, rejected him, the zoo staff faced a dilemma about how to proceed. Fortunately, Alice stepped in and immediately began nurturing Marat, allowing him to nurse. Dr. Annie Rivas, the zoo’s director of animal health, described their connection as a “perfect fairy-tale ending.” However, integrating Marat into a wild herd will be another challenge, but with Alice’s help, he is learning vital social behaviors.

Marat is already displaying traits typical of a wild stallion, asserting his presence and dominance amidst the nurturing environment he now shares with Alice. The duo will remain together for some time, with plans for Marat to join the zoo’s adult Przewalski’s herd as he matures.