Within just a few days of their arrival from Slovakia, the animals have become crowd favorites and, thanks to their striking appearance, a major attraction for the youngest visitors. The Mini Appaloosa family is currently in the acclimatization phase at the petting zoo, where the animal caretakers are training them to accept a halter and have their hooves lifted.

The preparations for transport were time-consuming and presented the zoological department with quite a few administrative challenges. “The breed is officially recognized only in the Netherlands,” explains Dr. Reinhard Pichler, veterinarian and zoological director, adding: “Even horses need a valid passport to cross the border. The animals’ entry therefore involved a significant amount of red tape.”

Miniature horses were formerly kept and bred primarily as playmates for children at royal courts. With the demise of the monarchies, the miniature horse also nearly disappeared. Via the United States, where active breeding took place in the 1960s, a few animals have found their way back to Europe. Among the best-known breeds are the Mini Shetland Pony, the American Miniature Horse, and the Falabella.