Coming Back to Life!

The loss of an animal species is a devastating blow to our planet’s ecosystem, no matter how big or small the creature. Due to colonization and subsequent over-hunting in South Africa, the Quagga was hunted to extinction in the late 19^th century.

The Quagga Project

However, there may be hope. Because Quaggas were discovered to be a sub-species of plains zebras, and not a distinct species, scientists are working to bring this equid back. In 1987, German naturalist Reinhold Rau pioneered the Quagga Project in South Africa, which selectively breeds a reduced stipe pattern in plains zebras. While these Rau Quaggas are not true, genetic Quaggas, this is an incredible scientific achievement.

I Will Survive has been done in Kristina Lucas Francis’ zebra, mold #468, as a stunning Quagga to remind us all that even after experiencing some of the most dire life circumstances, there is always hope of coming back from the brink.

This Special Run model will be available to our in-person VIP and All-Access ticket holders only. We will see you right back here on the BreyerFest Blog tomorrow for another reveal!

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Comments

Joe Blackwood - February 20, 2024
My Brother Mark Blackwood, was a breyer collector for 60 years, he passed away in June of 2023. He was also good friends with Reinhold Rau, and himself a driving Force for the expansion of the Quagga Project. He has written many letters to Stone, Moody, and other artist for many different models they should make over his 60 years collecting. It breaks mine and my sister’s heart he didn’t live to see this. He worked so hard to get this model made, he in fact has several model recreations from various artists and even a hand painted quagga from Rau himself. I knew my brother wanted me to go to Breyerfest to sell his massive collection. I personally don’t need to buy any models, but somehow I need to get to Breyerfest this year. All of his Quagga letters to Rau and everything else will be donated to the South African or Chicago field museum except for this Quagga Model if I can get a hold of it, I will pass that down in his honor to living family. Tomorrow I start finding out how I can get to and sell at breyerfest. If you want to see a glorious display of the Quagga Project, I’m bringing it. If you go on YouTube and look up the video of Paul’s Birthday, in 96, that’s my brother filming one of the 1st of many Quaggas coming back.

BREYERfan - February 12, 2024
What a beautiful model! And what a cool story too! Very impressive!

Nathan - January 29, 2024
Why isn’t it painted like the quagga in the photo? Shouldn’t it have black stripes not white?

Makenna - January 26, 2024
Omg! I love the idea of a zebra! So adorable!

Bella - January 24, 2024
Super cute and creative! Good thinking, Breyer!

Horselover - January 24, 2024
Such a cool concept and awesome model!

Breyer mom - January 23, 2024
What an awesome concept! More like this, please. And a lovely model.

Ruth Meador - January 23, 2024
Wow Oh Wow!!!!!!!!! And I can’t wait to until Breyerfest and I so can get this one and add it to my Breyer horse Collection for good and forever.