Anna Izmailova, a specialist in eco-innovation management for animal welfare and biodiversity conservation, talks to Science Times about strategies for protecting the American Cream Draft Horse, innovative methods for humane management of animal populations, and an integrated approach to preserving rare genetic lines and species.
March 1 is World Horse Day. Anna Izmailova, a prominent specialist in managing eco-innovations for animal welfare, is spearheading a project aimed at restoring the population of the American Cream Horse, a unique breed that is at risk of extinction. She actively contributes to the conservation of the breed as a dedicated breeding horse owner and Full Member of the American Cream Draft Horse Association. Anna Izmailova is a leader and creator of sustainable projects, winner of the prestigious Golden Star Award (from Worldwide Vets) & TITAN Innovation Award, participant of international volunteer programs, including long-term curatorship of the endangered species of polar bear, lynx and the rarest wild cat on the planet, the Far Eastern leopard. In addition, Anna is a member of the Expert Council of the National Business Award NBA "Technology and Innovation" and a reviewer of scientific articles. In an exclusive interview, Anna Izmailova explains how innovations can be the key to preserving endangered breeds and help adapt the American Cream Draft Horse to modern industry challenges.
Nepal Experience and Volunteering
Anna Izmailova began the interview by telling a story about the international volunteer program Hands-on Veterinary Experience under the auspices of the Third Eye Foundation in Nepal, where she currently provides expert support in the field of animal welfare. During the program, she tailors humane innovations to meet local realities and shares advanced solutions with colleagues. "Working in conditions of limited resources requires not only deep knowledge, but also the courage of field innovation; professional intuition and experience come to the fore here," notes Anna Izmailova. According to her, the exchange of expertise at Nepal's only Central Zoo, where strategies for the maintenance and protection of rare species were discussed, was especially valuable.
In 2008, Anna Izmailova patented an innovative veterinary instrument and a method for the gentle sterilization of animals (RU2396923C2). The technology she developed made it possible to successfully sterilize more than 20 thousand animals without postoperative complications and stress. In the conditions of Nepal, where there is an acute problem of controlling the number of stray animals, these achievements take on critical significance. As a staunch supporter of ethical practices in caring for the welfare of animals, Anna Izmailova emphasizes: "I actively share my expertise with the international professional community and work on integrating my patent into curricula of higher educational institutions that train veterinary specialists."
Also, within the framework of the volunteer project, Anna Izmailova studies the impact of environmental changes and socio-economic factors on traditional horse breeds—Bhutia and Chamurthi. "The reduction of the traditional way of life, natural pastures as a result of urbanization, mechanization and climate change create additional risks for these animals, which presents the community with the imperative of developing effective conservation strategies," Anna comments on the state of affairs.
The Relationship Between Technology Development and the Conservation of Rare Horses
"Despite differences in economic structure and the level of development of animal conservation programs, horse breeds in Nepal and the United States confront the threat of extinction for similar reasons. Specifically, the population of the American Cream Draft is declining due to the reduced demand for heavy draft horses amid mechanization, with fewer than 500 registered individuals, classifying it as an endangered breed. Even the population of the previously considered extinct wild horse, the Tahi (Przewalski's horse), has reached 2,000 individuals in captivity, yet they are still continuing to be regarded as a rare subspecies. By contrast, unique heritage breeds such as the American Cream Draft Horse continue to be overlooked by the public. Competition with commercial breeds intensifies the pressure on the American Cream Horse population, and limited breeding among a small group of enthusiasts leads to a reduction in genetic diversity and makes reproduction difficult," Anna Izmailova emphasizes the importance of these issues.
Anna Izmailova shared that she plans to actively work on restoring the American Cream Horse population, including monitoring the health of the gene pool, analyzing genetic diversity, and supporting the breeding program.
"Protecting endangered breeds requires a comprehensive approach. Without media attention, municipal support, and official recognition of the issue, conservation efforts may prove ineffective. Paradoxically, the breed, which is a cultural heritage of the United States, has not been able to receive the status of an official symbol of the state of Iowa, where it was bred, for several years now," Anna Izmailova emphasizes.
In addition to scientific coverage of the problems of gene pool depletion, Anna Izmailova intends to expand her educational campaign on modern digital platforms. The editorial staff's interlocutor called public awareness a key factor in saving the breed, allowing it to be adapted to modern conditions. At the same time, Anna Izmailova noted that the American Cream Draft Horse is ideal for hippotherapy projects, agritourism, and organic farming. Increasing the breed's recognition will attract new enthusiasts to support and breed it, which in turn will strengthen its future.
Why It Is Necessary to Protect Genetic Heritage
Anna Izmailova is a recognized specialist in the field of preserving genetic diversity with more than 20 years of experience. The TOTEM Veterinary Center trademark she founded has become a well-known space where qualified veterinary care is provided to all animals, including exotic ones.
Moreover, in 2015, Anna Izmailova established AnimalBox, the largest exotic animal center in the Russian Far East. Its uninterrupted exhibitions from 2018 to 2019 attracted approximately 9,500 visitors, including at-risk children, making it a powerful educational platform. A hallmark of the center was a rare natural morph of Dione's rat snake (Elaphe dione) with hypomelanism, discovered by Anna Izmailova—an undocumented color mutation in this species before. This achievement pioneered a new lineage of decorative color variations in the captive population. "AnimalBox, like the TOTEM brand, is not merely a business; it represents a mission dedicated to ensuring animal welfare," emphasizes Anna Izmailova. "When it comes to an animal protection strategy, it is important not to focus only on one direction, but to act comprehensively, to form an environment, enrich it, make it safe, create conditions for reproduction, and conduct selection work." When working with rare and endangered species, there is no universal solution. The key is to involve experts with experience in managing eco-innovation projects and to adapt successful cases to specific conditions. Anna is convinced that this approach will not only increase the resilience of ecosystems but will also create a solid foundation for boosting rare animal populations globally.
