AURORA – A rare Przewalski horse named Shrek has found a new home on a rescue ranch in Aurora, Colorado. Originally mistaken for a mule, Shrek was rescued by Hannah and Kinsey Huckabay from a kill pen in Kansas. Genetic testing confirmed that Shrek is a purebred Przewalski horse, a species once extinct in the wild and now endangered.
The Huckabays have formed a bond with Shrek, who was initially terrified and anxious upon arrival at the ranch. The Huckabays have reached out to the Denver Zoo, home to four other Przewalski horses, for guidance on Shrek’s care. Despite not being able to breed Shrek due to his gender, the family is working with the zoo and U.S. Fish and Wildlife to ensure his well-being and long-term survival.
Shrek’s appearance at the rescue ranch raises questions about his origin and how he ended up in Colorado. It is suspected that Shrek may have been part of illegal private dealings and passed through multiple sellers before ending up in Colorado. Similar cases of Przewalski horses appearing in unexpected places have been reported, such as another Przewalski mare named Fiona that was discovered at a rescue ranch in Utah.
Despite the challenges of confirming Shrek’s origin and navigating his care as an endangered species, the Huckabays are committed to providing a happy and safe life for Shrek on their ranch. As Shrek settles into his new home and forms bonds with the other horses, the Huckabays remain hopeful for his future and the conservation of the rare Przewalski species.
