The Heartwarming Rescue Of Pete, The Zorse: A Tale Of Compassion And Hope

Ever heard of a zorse? It's a hybrid of a zebra and a horse, and while interbreeding between the two subspecies of the equid family can naturally occur in the wild, it's usually a result of human intervention—often for entertainment purposes. One zorse lucky enough to be rescued from a Texas exotic animal auction is Pete, a 10-year-old mix between a horse and a Grévy's zebra. He was rescued by Emma Davis, 31, from California, who runs her own business making animal CBD products, Mikko's Choice.

"I don't know much about his life pre-auction," David told Newsweek. "I didn't have any plans to take any animals for myself, then I saw him." When she approached him, Pete either displayed aggression towards people or avoided them. However, when she approached him, he came closer, dropped his head into her chest, and allowed her to pet him. This moment marked the beginning of their journey together, leading to a bidding war at the auction where she ultimately won him and brought him back to California.

Exotic ranches in Texas have seen a rise in popularity in recent years, functioning almost like zoos but also being involved in what critics term 'canned' hunting. This practice involves hunting animals like zebras, kudus, and oxen that are bred and kept in captivity, often for a hefty price. Texas Parks and Wildlife noted, "There are no state bag or possession limits or closed seasons on exotic animals or fowl on private property," indicating the lax regulations surrounding these activities.

"You often find zebras and zebra crosses on these ranches, and they are typically very wild and don't want anything to do with people, which makes keeping them as pets difficult," said Davis. "In a lot of ways, Pete was no exception. I overheard people talking about what a nice rug he would make. I couldn't let that happen. I have a history with wild mustangs, so I knew I could help him in some way."

Zebras are truly wild, and unlike horses, they have no domestication in their DNA, which creates a complex and often aggressive animal when mixed with a horse. Due to a chromosomal issue, both male and female zorses cannot reproduce, further complicating their existence. After spending a year with Pete, Davis realized that all he truly wanted was to be free.

With the right sanctuary in mind, she sought a place where he could roam freely while receiving proper care. That's when she discovered Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary, where Pete now thrives with a herd and thousands of acres to explore.

In a touching reunion after several months apart, Pete recognized Davis immediately and approached her for affection. "I couldn't believe what was happening," she shared, overwhelmed by the bond they'd formed. The love and care she provided helped him trust again, and it brought her immense joy to see him happy and well-cared for in his new home.

Users on social media flocked to share their love for the heartwarming story. Comments poured in, praising Davis for her compassion and dedication to rescuing Pete. "This is so great! And if nobody has told you in the last 30 seconds, you're an incredible human," said one user, encapsulating the sentiments of many who were moved by this touching narrative.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.