A safari park in Bedfordshire has welcomed a bongo calf, one of the most critically endangered animals on the planet, in what it says is a “major success” for global conservation efforts.
First-time mum Othaya gave birth to the male eastern mountain bongo calf on 16 October in Woburn Safari Park – the first birth of the species there in more than 10 years.
The eastern mountain bongo has been hunted almost to extinction in the wild, with less than 100 remaining.
Head of reserves Tom Robson said: “After a long labour, the large healthy male calf was born and was soon seen standing on wobbly legs, in the deep bed of straw prepared for his arrival. Both mum and calf are doing really well.
“Sonny, the calf’s father, joined the four-strong bongo herd at the park last November, and successfully mixed with the females, wasting no time in doing his job and displaying breeding behaviours.
“The bongo are part of a crucial breeding programme and we are hoping in the future our new calf will travel to another wildlife collection and start a breeding group of his own.”
The safari park said the mother and calf are currently being kept inside to give them time to bond and grow stronger.
“Meanwhile the bongo calf has completely stolen the keepers’ hearts with his enormous ears, timid but increasingly confident nature,” the park said.
“The baby has been spotted walking around the stable exploring his environment, sticking close to mum while he grows steadier on his hooves.”
Sonny, the calf’s dad, arrived at Woburn last year as part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) endangered species management programme.
The eastern mountain bongo is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List, with populations drastically impacted by poaching and habitat loss.