A Przewalski’s horse foal named Marat was born at the Minnesota Zoo in early May 2025. Shortly after birth, the foal became ill due to leg problems that made it hard to stand and walk. As a result, the foal developed a serious infection called bacterial sepsis. The University of Minnesota’s equine care team provided emergency treatment. After returning to the zoo, the foal’s mother rejected him, which is a common response for some first-time mothers. With fewer than 2,000 of these wild horses left worldwide, the birth was considered a delicate situation. The species is now mostly found in Mongolia, China, and areas of Europe.

To ensure the foal’s survival, zoo staff introduced a domestic horse named Alice, who had just lost her own baby. Alice accepted Marat and began to care for him. A zoo expert explained that this type of cross-species care is very rare. Alice is now helping Marat adjust to horse behavior, which will help him join the adult herd in the future. The team said the strong bonding between Alice and Marat is an excellent example of successful animal care. This case also shows how expert help can support endangered species in critical moments.