Conservationists in Kenya are working to bring back the mountain bongo, a critically endangered antelope often referred to as the 'ghost of the forest.' With fewer than 100 left in the wild, efforts are underway to boost their population.
The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is focused on breeding these elusive animals and carefully reintroducing them into their natural habitat. The goal is to have 750 wild bongos by 2050.
The conservancy, situated at the base of Mount Kenya, spans 1,250 acres and aims to restore the survival skills of captive-bred bongos. The team is training these animals to feed independently, evade predators, and develop immunity to diseases.
Recently, four male bongos were imported from the Czech Republic to enhance genetic diversity. These newcomers will breed with existing descendants of the original 18 bongos brought to the conservancy in 2004.
We want bongos that are not only strong in body, but strong in the genes they pass to the next generation.
Dr. Robert Aruho, Head of the Conservancy
Historically, the bongo population suffered due to disease outbreaks in the 1960s, prompting conservationists to export a group to the U.S. for breeding. The last wild sighting in Kenya occurred in 1994.
In 2022, the conservancy successfully reintroduced 10 bongos into the wild. Today, they thrive on the slopes of Mount Kenya, hidden among the vegetation.
Local resident Caroline Makena recalls her grandmother's tales of the bongo as a cherished animal, highlighting its beauty beyond its historical role as bush meat.
The shy nature and camouflage abilities of the bongo are crucial for its survival. Conservationists monitor the animals closely to ensure only the most adept individuals are reintroduced.
The successful birth of a calf in the wild last year marked a significant milestone for the population's recovery.
As conservationists continue their efforts, they supplement the bongos' diet with nutritious pellets, while thousands of visitors to the conservancy hope to spot these rare creatures in their natural surroundings.