Tilek is a Marco Polo argali sheep — the largest species of sheep in the world — and he’s now calling the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse home. But Tilek isn’t just rare — he was illegally cloned.
Here’s everything to know about Tilek, how he came to the U.S., and how you can visit him.
What is a Marco Polo argali sheep?
Named after the famed explorer, the Marco Polo argali is native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia. Males can weigh over 300 pounds and sport spiral horns that can grow to more than five feet long.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Marco Polo argali sheep as “Near Threatened” — meaning they are not currently endangered but are at risk of becoming so without conservation efforts.
How was Tilek created?
Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, a Montana man, illegally smuggled genetic material from an argali sheep in Kyrgyzstan into the U.S. He used the DNA to clone the animal by creating embryos in a lab and implanting them into domestic ewes. Schubarth ran a 215-acre facility, Schubarth Ranch, where he bred large cloned sheep for captive hunting operations. He was later arrested for wildlife crimes, fined more than $24,000, and sentenced to six months in prison.
How did Tilek end up in Syracuse?
In 2021, Tilek was transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Grants Pass, Oregon, where he remained for more than three years. Eventually, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) selected Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse as Tilek’s new home, citing the zoo’s expertise in caring for hoofstock.
“I’m proud that our Rosamond Gifford Zoo can provide a safe and loving home for this magnificent animal,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. “Tilek’s rescue and relocation is a victory for conservation efforts and proof of the importance of protecting wildlife and enforcing wildlife laws.”
How can you see Tilek?
Tilek now lives on the Wildlife Trail exhibit at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, sharing his space with three Tadjik markhor, a wild goat species native to the Himalayas.
To help him acclimate, public viewing hours are limited:
The zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the zoo’s website for details on admission, parking, and exhibit information.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Illegally cloned giant sheep finds new home at New York zoo
Reporting by Erin Jones, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
