A bongo break in the country
Tuesday 21 February 2006
The bongo herd from London Zoo are taking a break in the country whilst refurbishments continue at their city residence.
© Adrian Dennis
This relocation is in preparation for the launch of the exciting new exhibit 'Into Africa' that will open at London Zoo this Easter.
In the meantime however, visitors to Whipsnade will be able to see this stunning striped antelope in the paddock on Dukes Avenue, next to the Southern white rhino.
'Into Africa' will offer London Zoo visitors closer animal encounters with species such as zebra, giraffe, African hunting dogs, okapi and red river hog. New planting will reflect an African savannah and the animals’ intriguing stories of survival, predation and camouflage will be brought to life through fantastic new signage and child-based activities.
The bongo, part of the antelope family, can be found in low-lying slightly swampy forest within east, central and west Africa, feeding on a diet of leaves and fruit. Of the various species of antelope found in the African forest, the bongo is the largest.
Little is known about their social organisation but they appear to be monogamous, living in small family groups of about three individuals, although up to twenty have been seen together at salt licks.
They are the only forest antelope to form herds and unfortunately face an uncertain future in the wild, due to habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat.
Image © Adrian Dennis
