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Rosneft to help restore unique population of Przewalski’s horses in Russia
08 August 2025
As part of its cooperation with the Orenburg State Nature Reserve, Orenburgneft (Rosneft’s key asset in the Volga Region) has become the official guardian of a Przewalski’s horse foal.
The Przewalski’s horse is listed in the Red Book of Russia and is categorised as having the highest rarity status (Category 0). With the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s only programme to create a semi-wild population of Przewalski’s horses has been underway in the Orenburg Nature Reserve since 2015. The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and the Orenburg Region Government both supported the project.
The foal taken into care was born on 12 June 2025, Russia Day. The animal was named Buravka after a competition among employees of Orenburgneft. It is similar to the word “bur” (“drill”) and is connected to the oil industry. It also contains a reference to Sivka-Burka, a magical horse from Russian folk tales that personifies wisdom and strength.
During the ceremony, Orenburgneft representatives were presented with a caretaker certificate and a Przewalski’s horse passport.
The Orenburg Nature Reserve is a specially protected natural area that includes natural complexes and objects of special ecological value. The reserve is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Of all the animals inhabiting the reserve, 75 species are listed in the Red Books of Russia and the Orenburg Region.
Visitors to the reserve can take a walk along the equipped ecological trail Breath of the Steppe, observe beautiful steppe animals up close, and learn about the 
biodiversity conservation programme and the work of the Reintroduction Centre (hereinafter referred to as the Centre) to create a semi-wild population of Przewalski’s wild horses in Russia during guided tours. Information stands about the joint work with Orenburgneft have also appeared on the territory of the reserve.
The Company’s cooperation with the Centre will contribute to improving animal welfare, nutrition and veterinary care, as well as furthering research into endangered species and developing eco-tourism in the region.
Environment protection is an integral part of Rosneft’s corporate culture and social responsibility. The Company conducts large-scale activities to restore natural resources, study rare animals and conserve biodiversity in the regions of operation. As part of its commitment to scientific research, Rosneft is conducting studies on bioindicator animals in local ecosystems, including polar bears, Atlantic walruses, white seagulls and wild reindeer. The Company also supports programmes to preserve the Amur tiger population.
For reference:
The Przewalski’s horse derives its name from Russian scientist Nikolay Mikhailovich Przewalski, who led an expedition through Central Asia in 1879 and discovered a species previously unknown to science. In the late 1970s, this rare species was on the verge of complete extinction and was classified as “endangered” in the Red Book.
Twelve wild animals from various zoos around the world, the ancestors of several restored populations, played a key role in the survival of the species. Overall, the number of horses on the planet today is less than three thousand.
Department of Information and Advertising
Rosneft
August 8, 2025