A rare eastern mountain bongo calf has been born at a safari park in Bedfordshire, marking a significant milestone for one of the world’s most endangered large mammals.
The baby bongo is the first female of the species to be born at Woburn Safari Park for more than a decade.
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.
“Eastern mountain bongo have suffered devastating losses due to habitat destruction, poaching and disease,” the park spokeswoman said.
“Every successful birth in a managed breeding programme is a meaningful contribution to their conservation.”
Mother Othaya also gave birth to male calf Djembe last year.
Another male calf was born at Woburn in May this year, to first-time mother Odongo and father Sonny.
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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.
“Thankfully, all was well and we’re happy to see a strong-looking calf.”
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”.
“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.”
The park spokeswoman said the calf, yet to be named, is showing signs of healthy development, “and has begun bonding with her older siblings”.
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“With her vivid chestnut coat marked by white stripes, the young bongo calf showcases the species’ natural camouflage, a striking adaptation that helps them vanish into the dappled light of forest under-storey,” she said.
“Her oversized ears, finely tuned to detect the faintest rustle or call, are not only visually distinctive but vital for survival in dense, echoing terrain.”
