Bedfordshire Safari Park Celebrates Rare Birth of Critically Endangered Bongo Calf
In a remarkable achievement for global conservation, Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire has announced the birth of a male eastern mountain bongo calf, one of the planet's most critically endangered species. Born on October 16, 2024, this birth is the first of its kind at the park in over a decade, marking a significant milestone for the conservation efforts dedicated to this rare species.
The calf’s arrival came after a long labor by his mother, Othaya, who is a first-time mom. The park reports that both Othaya and her calf are in good health and bonding well, with the young bongo already exploring his surroundings on wobbly legs. This eastern mountain bongo calf’s birth not only represents a heartwarming event for the safari park’s staff but also shines as a beacon of hope for the survival of a species that has suffered immensely from habitat loss and poaching. With fewer than 100 eastern mountain bongos left in the wild, each birth brings renewed hope and strength to the species' future.
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Sonny, the calf’s father, joined the park last November as part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (EAZA) endangered species management program. Since his arrival, Sonny integrated seamlessly with the small herd of bongos and quickly took on his role in the park’s breeding program. These coordinated efforts among European wildlife parks are part of a larger mission to sustain critically endangered species through controlled breeding and, hopefully, increase the chances for eventual reintroduction to their native habitats.
The eastern mountain bongo, a majestic species of forest antelope native to Kenya, has been driven to near extinction primarily due to illegal hunting and habitat encroachment. Recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is estimated that wild populations of this species could be lost entirely within two decades if current threats persist.
Woburn Safari Park is committed to supporting this species' conservation, planning for the calf to eventually join other wildlife parks where he can further contribute to the bongo population through breeding. Meanwhile, the young calf has already captured the hearts of park staff and visitors alike with his large, expressive eyes and cautious yet curious nature. The bond he shares with his mother, Othaya, is vital during these early stages of his life, so the pair is being given time in a private area to bond and strengthen.
The birth of this calf is a reminder of the powerful impact that conservation programs can have on species survival. It highlights the importance of captive breeding efforts in providing a safety net for species that have been driven to the brink of extinction. The park's hope is that, as this young bongo matures, he will continue the legacy of preserving his species, possibly inspiring global efforts to protect critically endangered animals worldwide.
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