NOT Extinct: The Przewalski's Horse Returns from Extinct in the Wild

by Darcy Pattison

“…optimistic tone…realistically presenting both successes and setbacks. An informative, age-appropriate introduction to a little-known endangered equine species.” Kirkus Reviews

“Children may not have heard of this species, but the story of their plight, the many color and black-and-white photos, and the accessible presentation of information will help kids understand and retain the book’s content. A timely introduction to this unique horse breed.” Booklist

In the early 1900s, the Przewalski’s horse, nicknamed the P-horse, was almost extinct, a species that was disappearing. But in 1959, the international community came together to fight to save the species. They found a small population that came from just 12 founding horses. Could they save the P-horse and return it to the wild? Or would it go extinct.

This story covers over 60 years, and a loose network of international effort from scientists across the world. After decades of breeding efforts, they finally established wild herds in the native steppes of Mongolia and China. But then an extreme winter, a dzud, struck, killing 60% of the wild herds.

Is the wild just too wild? Or can scientists save this amazing species? It’s hard. Difficult. Almost impossible.

Photo-illustrated, this story follows the efforts to restore a vital species to the wild. The sixty-year effort has brought the P-horse from Extinct in the Wild to only Endangered. Still—it’s endangered! The story will continue to inspire the next generations to work to save species at risk for extinction.

32 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2025

About the author

DARCY PATTISON (www.darcypattison.com) is published in ten languages.

Children’s book author Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, Junior Library Guild selections, and NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.

Reviews

[Alison Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not often that we hear about success stories when it comes to endangered species, but NOT EXTINCT showcases one such example. The text takes us through the history of the Przewalski's horse's extinction in the wild to its recent return to the wilds of the Asian steppe. The book explains why preserving the species has been so challenging, from a limited genetic pool to predators and extreme weather events, but ends with the triumphant return of the species to the wild and delisting from "extinct in the wild" and "critically endangered" to simply endangered. One question I had at the end was WHY scientists feel so strongly the horse must return to the wild. Is it just to get the species back into its natural habitat or is rewilding this species essential for survival of the steppe or other reasons? Great choice for kids who love horses or want to know more about how scientists are saving species from extinction.

[Ckmcclaffertygmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy Pattison’s new book, Not Extinct: The Przewalski’s Horse Returns from Extinct in the Wild is a treasure. The text powerfully relates the success story of how P horses were saved from the brink of extinction in the wild. Gorgeous images of these horses support the text.

Pattison’s writing style is exciting and engaging as she relates this complex story. The work of dedicated scientists over the span of 65 is clearly explained. Readers may be unfamiliar with the history of P horses before reading this book. But through its pages, readers will come to care deeply about snatching these beautiful animals from the jaws of extinction. Readers will celebrate when a herd of P horses are at last released back to the golden steppe of Kazakhstan. This book is another winner from award winning author, Darcy Pattison.

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

With detailed text and striking photo illustrations, this nonfiction book explains how scientists brought the Przewalski's Horse back from the brink of extinction and reintroduced it to the wild. Perfect for young readers interested in learning how scientists and conservationists work to save species, NOT Extinct is sure to inspire thoughtful conversation about the Przewalski's Horse and other endangered species. Uplifting and educational, this book will make a great addition to classroom, library, and home collections.

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly fascinating! This book works on several levels. The bolded main text pulls the reader through the story of bringing the P-horse back to the wild. Then "sidebar" text fills in the details of the work of the scientists along with all sorts of information about these special horses. The book hits so many topics from the animals, to zoos, science, geography and more. The engaging text and photographs make this book a winner for budding scientists and animal lovers of all kinds.

[Shruthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique book about a species I didn't know existed! The author tells us how P-horses were brought back from the brink of extinction. It is full of information about how scientists work to save species. The engaging text is organized in a very understandable way, with narration and sidebars complementing each other. The beautiful photographs add to the value of the book. It's sure to be a conversation-starter, and will be an excellent addition to any library.

[Nell Cross Beckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating book! I learned so much about a species I didn't know existed, and was very moved by all the people involved in helping this species come back. The photos kept me engaged and everything was organized to make it easy for readers to understand. Lots to pour over with this book!

[Carla Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the efforts to save a species from the brink of extinction! Numerous sidebars offer detailed information about the P-horse, endangered animals, and conservation efforts. Kids interested in animals and conservation will enjoy reading about and rooting for the P-horse!