Fewer than 50 mountain bongos are estimated to survive in the wild
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Chester Zoo is leading efforts to return Africa’s rarest and largest antelope to Kenya. Fewer than 50 mountain bongos are estimated to survive in the wild, with four males that have been carefully bred in European zoos set to be transported to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC).
Conservationists are calling it a historic moment for one of Africa’s most endangered species and a landmark example of how modern zoos can pull a species back from the brink of disappearing.
The mountain bongo is a striking antelope, recognisable by its rust red coat with bold white vertical stripes and long spiral horns, found only in the highland forests of Kenya.
Habitat loss and poaching have reduced wild numbers to be estimated at fewer than 50, making it one of Africa’s rarest animals.Chester Zoo experts have spent more than eleven years coordinating a breeding programme across European conservation zoos.
The four males now selected – chosen on the basis of age, health and genetics – will be the first to ever be transferred from European zoos to Kenya as part of a rewilding effort.
Critically endangered mountain bongo at Chester Zoo(Image: Publicity Picture)
Dr Nick Davis, mammals general manager at Chester Zoo and coordinator of the European breeding programme, said: “This is a truly historic moment for mountain bongo conservation in Africa and for the European zoos that have worked tirelessly to safeguard the species.
“The mountain bongo is one of Africa’s rarest mammals and perilously close to extinction. Thankfully though, the species is thriving in conservation zoos across Europe, with a number of important births in recent years helping to build a healthy, genetically strong population.
“As a result, we have carefully selected four males to provide a vital lifeline and help boost numbers at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Collaborations like this are absolutely essential if we are to prevent this magnificent species disappearing altogether.
Critically endangered mountain bongo at Chester Zoo(Image: Publicity Picture)
“They demonstrate how modern, science-led zoos play an important role in bringing species back from the brink – and the future of the mountain bongo may now be much brighter because of it.”
The four male bongo are currently undergoing rigorous health checks and quarantine at a specialist facility, Safari Park Dvůr Králové, in the Czech Republic before being flown to Kenya.
On arrival at MKWC, they will be monitored closely and gradually become introduced to the existing breeding programme.