Little Kurt was born on August 6. To clone the horse, genetic material from a conspecific that had been frozen forty years ago was used. All this time it was kept at the San Diego Zoo.
Genetic diversity
It is the first time that a przewalski horse has been successfully cloned. According to experts, Kurt’s genetic diversity, which is completely healthy, can help save his species.
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“Genetically, this specimen could become one of the most important for its species,” says a San Diego Zoo zoologist. “We are hopeful that he can help save the population.”
Breeding program
Przewalski horses are hardly ever seen in the wild: the last specimen was spotted in 1969. Thanks to a breeding program, approximately 2000 horses of the species are currently alive. In five to ten years, Kurt as a stallion can contribute to expanding the population, is the expectation.
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