Marwell Zoo celebrates birth of endangered mountain bongo calf

Marwell Zoo in Hampshire has recently celebrated the birth of a critically-endangered mountain bongo calf, born on September 4. The male calf, born to mother Jumapili, has shown remarkable confidence and energy, exploring his habitat and interacting with other animals. This birth is part of a series of new arrivals at the zoo, which also includes a male Rothschild’s giraffe, a female zebra foal named Yahna, and a tiny sitatunga. Earlier in the year, the zoo welcomed four female Przewalski’s horse foals. Mountain bongos are the largest forest antelope species, currently facing a critically endangered status with only about 100 individuals remaining in the wild. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and diseases from domestic cattle. The calf's birth is significant for the European Ex-situ Programme, which aims to ensure the survival of this species through a structured breeding program. The calf is characterized by a chestnut coat with thin white stripes, a feature common in young bongos. In the wild, calves are often hidden in vegetation to protect them from predators like leopards. As the calf matures, his coat will darken to resemble that of his father, Ituri. Currently, he spends most of his time in a bed stall, with his mother providing care and nourishment. The zoo staff are optimistic about the calf's future, noting his adventurous spirit and eagerness to explore. This birth not only contributes to the zoo's conservation efforts but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by mountain bongos in their natural habitat.