Critically endangered baby bongos born weeks apart at Belfast Zoo

By Q Radio News

Two critically endangered Eastern bongos have been born at Belfast Zoo in as many weeks.

It is estimated that there are less than 200 of these African forest antelopes left in the wild.

The sex of the new calves is not yet known as zookeepers are giving them time to bond with the mothers and the rest of the family.

They join siblings Jumapili, Pasaka and Nollaig.

Two critically endangered Eastern bongos have been born at Belfast Zoo in as many weeks.https://t.co/n7CsTA8upH

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Zoo curator Raymond Robinson, said everyone at Belfast Zoo is thrilled to hear the “pitter patter” of baby bongo hooves in the paddock.

“Both mothers, Kibibi and Surali, are experienced and doing a great job of taking care of the calves,” he said.

“Belfast Zoo has welcomed several bongo calves in recent years.

“Belfast-born bongos have moved to other zoos around the world as part of collaborative breeding programmes which help to provide a ‘safety net’ population of animals at risk of extinction.

“We are extremely proud of our contribution to the survival of this rare mammal.”

He added that he hoped Belfast Zoo visitors will enjoy seeing all of the recent additions at the Cave Hill site during the summer season, such as the new born bongo calves, a coppery titi monkey baby and a Western lowland gorilla infant.

Eastern bongo have red, stripy coats which act as an excellent camouflage from predators when hiding among the forest trees.

Unlike most antelopes, both male and female bongos have long spiralling horns.

Bongos can tilt their long horns back to reduce any obstruction while running through dense forests.

Native to remote forests of Kenya, they are herbivores and eat leaves, shoots, grasses and shrubs.

Belfast Zoo is open 10am to 6pm every day over Easter and special free activities are planned for Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday from 10am to 4pm, including face painting, sensory touch tables, walkabout characters and Easter trails.

All tickets must be purchased online. For tickets and further information visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk

Credit: Alan Campbell