By Liz O'ConnellShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAmid the remnants of Chernobyl’s ghost villages, a small herd of stocky horses emerged from the woods—an unexpected encounter that left a nonprofit stunned to see "critically endangered" species thriving in one of the most contaminated areas in the world.
The Dogs of Chernobyl team, part of the Clean Futures Fund—a nonprofit supporting communities experiencing the long-term effects of nuclear disaster—stopped in amazement when they spotted Przewalski’s horses moving through the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, covering 1,600 square miles following the 1986 explosion disaster. The team filmed the rare moment and posted it to TikTok (@dogsofchernobyl), where it has now surpassed 8.3 million views.
Przewalski's horses are considered the world's last species of wild horses, according to an article from the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. The species, listed as "critically endangered," was once extinct in the wild, largely due to competition with man and livestock, and environmental changes, but recovery efforts have reestablished herds in Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan and, against all odds, the radioactive site at Chernobyl.
Jennifer Betz, veterinary medical director for the Dogs of Chernobyl, told Newsweek via email that 31 horses were introduced into the area between 1998 and 1999 as a "rewilding experiment." The site provided a unique, human-free zone for the animals. The population gradually increased over time, and by 2021, estimates reached between 150 and 180, with no more recent data due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
..."Usually, we always see them off in a distance, but this time they were very close," Betz said. "It was amazing to be able to sit there and watch them for quite a while. They are a very unique species of horses to watch. Very majestic."
In the clip, one Przewalski's horse strolled across the street and into the woods, stopping and staring at the team. They followed the horse as it moved into the woods toward more horses. They counted about seven total.
Despite no recent counts on the rare species, Betz said the area has lost a few over the years, including a tragic death over the summer when one stepped on a landmine.
Once thought to be a desert wasteland following the nuclear explosion, Chernobyl has since become a surprising hotbed for wildlife. About 250 stray dogs live around the nuclear power plant, with 225 in Chornobyl City and hundreds more across the exclusion zone, Newsweek previously reported.
The Dogs of Chernobyl organization cares for the cats and dogs living in the radioactive area by offering food, access to veterinary care and monitoring the populations.
What Do the Comments Say?
The viral TikTok stunned viewers, and as of Wednesday, the clip had amassed over 477,800 likes and 1,831 comments.
"So jealous, I don’t think I’ll ever get to see a Przewalski in person! They’re so neat, and I think it’s even cooler that they’re thriving in such a harsh environment!" wrote one person.
Another added: "I like how they're admiring you the same way you're admiring them."
A third user chimed in: "The way I would lose my mind if I saw one of these just roaming around. My fave story of rewilding."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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