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Recently, Taipei Zoo (Taiwan) has chosen a unique approach. Instead of flashy entertainment programs, the territory's largest zoo is hoping to attract the public with the miraculous revival story of the Przewalsk horse – a rare animal native to Central Asia, once declared extinct in the wild in the late 1960s.
According to East Asian beliefs, the Year of the Horse is always associated with perseverance and strength. Capitalizing on this sentiment, Taipei Zoo has focused its attention on four Przewalski's horses, which are receiving special care there. This breed is named after a Russian geographer who first discovered them in the late 19th century in western Mongolia. Their appearance differs significantly from their domesticated relatives: a small stature, a tan complexion, and, most importantly, an extremely wild nature, making them almost impossible to tame for riding. This "original" quality creates an irresistible attraction for nature lovers and those eager to learn about the origins of these creatures.
Przewalski's horses – a rare wild horse species once declared extinct in the wild – are now a major attraction at Taipei Zoo.
Chen Yun-chieh, a 34-year-old zookeeper with five years of experience working with horses, shared that his greatest joy is seeing the horses proactively approach him whenever he appears. This interaction is proof of his tireless efforts to build trust between humans and wildlife. During the Lunar New Year of the Horse, Chen and his team of experts organized a series of knowledge-sharing sessions to help visitors dispel common misconceptions.
With their characteristic short stature and short mane, Przewalski's horses carry the genetic code of their wild horse ancestors, setting them apart from typical domesticated horse breeds.
Tourists are interested in conservation-related activities during this Tet holiday.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that tourists often equate the Przewalski's horse with the warhorses of Genghis Khan during his 13th-century conquests. In reality, this is a completely different evolutionary lineage, carrying within it the pure genetic code of its wild horse ancestors.
The story of the Przewalski's horse in Taiwan is also part of a strong international conservation network. Taipei Zoo has established a strategic partnership with Prague Zoo (Czech Republic) – a world-leading institution in monitoring and breeding this species. A proud milestone was in 2018, when Taiwan actively supported a campaign to reintroduce the horse to the wild in Mongolia. Thanks to such persistent efforts, from being extinct in the wild, the number of Przewalski's horses has recovered significantly, estimated at around 850 individuals living freely in areas of China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.
While Taiwan focuses on conservation, neighboring regions are also busily preparing for a vibrant Year of the Horse. In Hong Kong, the festive atmosphere is in full swing with the traditional horse race at Sha Tin Racecourse on the third day of the Lunar New Year. This annual event attracts thousands of international visitors, combining sporting spirit with cultural activities such as lion dances, live music, and fireworks displays at Victoria Harbour. For travelers who love excitement and good fortune at the beginning of the year, Sha Tin Racecourse is a must-see destination on their spring travel itinerary.
In contrast, in South Korea, the New Year is celebrated through unique winter festivals such as the Taebaeksan Snow Festival or the Hwacheon Sancheoneo ice fishing festival. Although the methods of celebration differ, they all aim to stimulate tourism and create memorable experiences for visitors during the Lunar New Year.
