Horses drinking from a water trough is a common sight at farms and stables the world over, but for staff at Werribee Zoo, it’s a source of excitement.
The Zoo’s herd of Asian wild horses have recently been diving headfirst into troughs to claim apples and carrots bobbing just below the surface, in what’s viewed as a positive sign for the endangered animals.
“As social animals that graze, rest and play together, apple and carrot bobbing is very engaging for the herd and adds complexity to their environment,” said Werribee Open Range Zoo keeper Laura Harbridge.
While most of the herd have been fishing for apples and carrots, others have been content to lick a nutrient-dense molasses mix within easier reach.
Ms Harbidge said sweet treats, such as fruit and molasses, are used to introduce new flavours to the horses and stimulate them mentally and physically.
“It’s important to give them lots of choice in their daily lives and the horses absolutely love splashing in the water to find the treats,” she said.
Asian wild horses once roamed across Europe and Central Asia, but by the 1960’s they were officially declared extinct.
An international breeding program revived the species, but today they are still listed as endangered with only 1,200 estimated to exist in the wild across Mongolia, China and Russia. The horses can be seen in action on the Werribee Zoo’s free Safari Bus experience, which operates daily.
“Visitors can also look forward to seeing the herd socialise, wallow in the mud and graze together,” Laura Harbidge said.
