It's a girl!

The first foal this year on the Currituck Outer Banks in North Carolina is a filly who has been named Dove. She and her mother are doing well, and The Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF) will do everything in their power to keep her safe.

The non-profit is the official protector of the wild horses and posted the exciting news along with photos on Facebook.

"This filly, named Dove, was born in the last week and appears to be thriving. Her mother is in excellent condition too. Dove is extra special to us because her grandfather is our dear Amadeo, who passed away in 2020."

Amadeo lived 20 years in the wild before his health started to decline, so he was rescued. He lived another 20 years as an outreach ambassador with CWHF and was known as "the king of the beach". He lives on in his offspring, like Dove.

Her birth has brought joy to all as there are fewer than 100 mustangs roaming free on the Outer Banks. Last year, two foals died of natural causes and earlier this month a stallion was humanely euthanized after his leg was broken in a fight with another stallion.

Life in the wild is tough, but they face even more challenges due to human interactions.

While it is something out of a dream to see the wild horses strolling along the shore or up in the sand dunes, visitors must refrain from getting too close.

"We cannot afford to lose horses due to human-caused problems," wrote CWHF. "We know that foals are very exciting, but please remember they are also very fragile and need plenty of space. It’s illegal to approach, harass, or entice the horses and you must stay 50ft away from them at all times. We also ask that people not park and sit right on top of them, and do not circle around and around them. Definitely do not get out of your vehicle! Take your photo and move on. Crowding them stresses out the adults and it habituates the foals during a very critical time in their development. The adults can also be very territorial and protective, and by getting too close you are putting yourself in serious danger."

Please follow the rules so that the horses remain safe and can thrive for years to come. Their protectors ask, "Please help us keep these horses safe, treat their habitat with respect and care, and speak out when you see others not following the rules."

Report anyone bothering the horses or breaking the rules by calling the Currituck County sheriff’s department at 252-453-3633. Visit CWHF's website to see how you can help keep the horses wild and free.