Summer Vacation Redux #26: Denver Zoo, part 4

The next area was home to a handful of bovine species--most of which would not be considered "high value" animals.  But I would beg to differ.  It's the opportunity to see animals that you don't normally see that I find thrilling.  All four of these are Endangered to Critically Endangered in the wild.

 Okapi, Okapia johnstoni, are endangered in their native habitats.  They call the jungles of Equatorial Africa home and today these areas are war torn and the animals there are all threatened by human activity and needs.

 I like how this feeder area created shadows over the animal, mimicking how it's camouflage protects it in the jungles.

 I understand the need to contain animals within fenced enclosures, but I really also appreciate when they create natural habitats wherein to view them and not through fences and wires.

Bactrian Camels, Camelus bactrianus, are a paradox.  As wild creatures, they are Critically Endangered.  In captivity, their populations are stable.

Przewalski's Horse, Equus ferus przewalskii, is also known as Dzungarian Horse or Mongolian Wild Horse.  It's the only wild horse species left in the world and it's herds are confined to just three areas of Mongolia.  It's considered Endangered in the wild.  This group at the Denver Zoo is regal.

And the final animals were Somali Wild Asses, Equus africanus somaliensis.  Talk about royal?  Such a complete beautiful animal and again as a result of human intervention and war it is now Critically Endangered in the wild.