Minnesota Zoo’s Rare Asian Wild Horse, Marat, Welcomed by Frank & Ritchie, the Clydesdales
Apple Valley, Minnesota, Nov. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After falling ill just days after his birth in May, Marat, an Asian wild horse, was transferred to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. He recovered and returned to the Zoo. But unfortuntately his mother, Nadyezhda, a first-time mom, no longer had the instinct to care for and nurse him. This is not an unusual circumstance with Asian wild horses when they are separated from their foals.
Asian wild horses are critically endangered, and every individual is vital to saving the species.
So, Zoo staff recruited a “foster mom,” a domesticated horse named Alice, nurse and nurture him. (See background here: Minnesota Zoo A Very Special Pair – Minnesota Zoo)
When Marat reached the age to be weaned, Alice returned home in Southern Minnesota. Then, Zoo staff started the slow, steady process of introducing Marat to the herd of Asian wild horses. As is natural, the stallion proved to be highly protective of the herd of mares. When it became clear he would not accept Marat, staff developed a Plan B for the colt.
In the wild, stallions without families form bachelor groups. Knowing this, Zoo staff turned to two such bachelors – Clydesdale draft horses, Frank and Ritchie. Both have welcomed Marat to the Wells Fargo Family Farm. While they tower over Marat, they’ve proved to be sweet and supportive of their new friend. Their companionship provides Marat with the social interaction so necessary to the wellbeing of all horses, both wild and domesticated.
The public is welcome to visit Marat, Frank, Ritchie and all of the Farm friends through November 30 when the Farm closes for the winter season.
ASSETS: Marat Background and Intro to Clydesdales
About the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination providing a window into the natural world. With hundreds of species of animals, worldwide conservation efforts, and acres of scenic beauty, the Zoo is a resource to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The Minnesota Zoo is home to beloved traditions, such as Farm Babies, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and the new Wanderlight Trail event coming in 2026. For more information, visit mnzoo.org.
Attachments
CONTACT: Diana Hein Minnesota Zoo 952-681-9199 diana.hein@state.mn.us
