Baby Bongo Bonanza
Wednesday 28 December 2005
Welcome ZSL London Zoo’s newest arrival, a beautiful bongo calf, the latest addition to our fantastic breeding record for this striking species.
© Adrian Dennis
Born on 14th November 2005, the male calf is the eleventh youngster to be born to proud parents Ali and Nathalie, and the fifteenth for ZSL!
Standing at approximately three foot tall, the calf is a bright chestnut colour with white vertical striped markings, huge ears and short mane. His heavy and slightly spiralled horns will begin to develop at around six weeks.
The bongo is the largest antelope to roam the rain forests of Africa, feeding on a diet of leaves and fruit. Little is known about this secretive species but they appear to be monogamous, living in small groups of about three individuals, although up to twenty have been seen together at salt licks. They move very swiftly through the forest, laying their spiralled horns on their backs to prevent them from getting tangled in foliage.
The bongo is threatened due to habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat.
As part of its Bushmeat and Forests Conservation Programme, ZSL is working to protect habitats and wildlife, such as the bongo, from the bushmeat trade through field projects, research, policy work and education activities.
Why not come and visit the new arrival over the Christmas holiday? Remember, the Zoo is open every single day bar Christmas Day itself.
