Przewalski’s horse (a.k.a. the Mongolian wild horse) was declared extinct in the wild in 1970. At that time, there were only a few individuals left, scattered among a dozen zoos across the world. Over the next thirty years or so, preservation and breeding programs were founded, and several semi-wild reserves created. Their goal was to enable the species to be reintroduced into its original habitat, in Mongolia.

If the reintroductions have been so successful, it is thanks to their meticulous preparation, which starts with a careful, in-depth study of the species from its eco-ethology and social behavior to its diet and the impact it has on grazing land. The first phase takes place in semi-wild reserves, with constant scientific observation. The horses, which are born in zoos and selected for genetic criteria to minimize consanguinity, have to learn to live in a semi-wild state, to find food, interact with each other and create social groups. They gradually build a social organization that is typical for wild equines, which allows them to withstand the difficulties of their environment and to avoid predators.

Meanwhile, their installation in Mongolia is being prepared, too. This includes identifying a reintroduction zone, raising awareness in the pastoral population that will be affected by the project, which means convincing people there to agree to share pasture land with the untouchable horses. Finally comes the difficult, risky and unpredictable transfer itself, which is followed by a period of acclimatization to the immense, far-flung territories.

This thorough book, lavishly illustrated with 100 color photographs, describes the incredible adventure of the last wild horses, and has a dual purpose: share the knowledge acquired about this particular species with the general public, and inform them about the reintroduction projects currently underway.