Ancient history caught up with modern times as the Memphis Zoo welcomed two new members into its Zoo family—Caspian horses.

The Memphis Zoo is the only zoo in the United States to exhibit these small horses and is one of only six breeders in the country. “This is such a great opportunity for us to continue the work conserving this breed,” said Farm Manager mark Ferguson. Since their introduction into the U.S. in 1995, only 114 Caspians live in the country, and there are fewer than 500 horses worldwide.

Hisan (HISS-AHN), a seven-year-old rose gray mare from the Australian blood line, and Darius (DA-RY-US), a two-year-old bay stallion from the European blood line, arrived at the Memphis Zoo April 12. According to Ferguson, the animals are adjusting just fine. “Caspians are just wonderful animals,” he said. “They also tend to be easier to train than other horses and are great for riding and jumping.

“What makes them so different from other horses, too, is that they get along very well together. The animals are accustomed to living together, male and female, because they lived in such small pockets early on. With other horses, we would have to separate the males and females from each other until breeding season. We don’t have to do that with the Caspians because they are used to living so close together