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<\/p>\nA rare eastern mountain bongo\u00a0calf has been born at a safari park in Bedfordshire, marking a significant milestone for one of the world\u2019s most endangered large mammals.<\/p>\n
The baby bongo is the first female of the species to be born at Woburn Safari Park for more than a decade.<\/p>\n
A park spokeswoman said the birth was “a vital step forward for this antelope species on the brink of extinction”, with fewer than 100 remaining in the wild.<\/p>\n
“Eastern mountain bongo have suffered devastating losses due to habitat destruction, poaching and disease,” the park spokeswoman said.<\/p>\n
“Every successful birth in a managed breeding programme is a meaningful contribution to their conservation.”<\/p>\n
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\n Pic: PA<\/p>\n
Mother Othaya also gave birth to male calf Djembe last year.<\/p>\n
Another male calf was born at Woburn in May this year, to first-time mother Odongo and father Sonny.<\/p>\n
Tom Robson, head of section, who oversaw the birth of the female calf due to difficulties experienced with Djembe’s delivery, said: “This is Othaya’s second calf, and she struggled giving birth to her first, so we checked her frequently throughout the night.<\/p>\n
“Thankfully, all was well and we’re happy to see a strong-looking calf.”<\/p>\n
Mr Robinson said Othaya struggled to feed the new arrival at first, so park staff provided a supplement, but now “mum is doing a great job”.<\/p>\n
“We’re all very pleased, as it’s a female calf, she will hopefully go on to breed in the future and play a part in the survival of the bongo species.”<\/p>\n
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Image:
\n Pic: PA<\/p>\n
The park spokeswoman said the calf, yet to be named, is showing signs of healthy development, “and has begun bonding with her older siblings”.<\/p>\n