Four Critically Endangered Mountain Bongos Return to Kenya After Decades in Czech Zoo. Nairobi, Kenya – Four critically endangered mountain bongos have arrived in Kenya from the Czech Republic, marking a significant milestone in their journey back to the wild. These rare antelopes, known for their distinctive stripes, were transported aboard a KLM cargo flight and were welcomed by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Tourism Minister Rebecca Miano.
The mountain bongos were part of a conservation effort that began in the 1980s, following a major rinderpest disease outbreak that decimated their population. Sent to Europe for their safety, the animals have since been under the care of Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic. Now, after years of nurturing and care, they are set to be released into their native habitat within the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.
Upon arrival, the bongos were quarantined and acclimatized to prepare them for their release into the wild.
The conservancy, which already houses 102 bongos, is part of a National Recovery and Action Plan for the mountain bongo, developed in collaboration with the Kenyan government.
The aim is to use the four new bongos to interbreed and strengthen the gene pool. Kenyan-raised nature explorers and filmmakers, Jahawi and Elke Bertolli, expressed the importance of genetic variation for the conservation of the species, emphasizing the critical role mountain bongos play in protecting Kenya’s forests and water supply.
The return of the mountain bongos is a testament to the partnership between the Czech Republic and Kenya in conservation efforts. It also reflects the dedication of stakeholders who have come together to achieve a shared conservation goal. Mudavadi and Miano both highlighted the significance of such collaborations and the government’s commitment to strengthening conservation frameworks and ensuring the thriving of Kenya’s biodiversity.
The repatriation of the bongos is seen as a critical step to enhance the species’breeding resilience.
As these majestic animals embark on their new journey, the world watches with hope, hoping this conservation effort will inspire similar successes for other endangered species.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE 24
