Bongos from European zoos are heading to their homeland in Kenya

Mau, a male eastern bongo from Prague, before departure to Safari Park Dvůr Králové. Photo: Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The transport, planned for April/May, is being organised by Safari Park Dvůr Králové under the auspices of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Five candidate antelopes for reintroduction have already arrived at the East Bohemian zoo, where they are currently undergoing pre-departure quarantine. They come from Prague Zoo, Bojnice National Zoo, Frankfurt Zoo, Tierpark Berlin and Givskud Zoo.

Preparations for the transport of the critically endangered eastern bongos to Kenya are taking place in exceptionally turbulent geopolitical context, with the project partners acting with the utmost caution. The project is officially under the patronage of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel.

Barbora Dobiášová, curator of ungulates at Prague Zoo, said: “Working in cooperation with the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, Prague Zoo has for several years supported both the restoration of the bongos’ natural habitat and research and monitoring activities. This transport to Kenya is a great example of the true mission of modern zoos. It is also a timely reminder that conservation efforts know no borders, be they national or continental. Together with our visitors and the people who take part in our experiential programmes featuring bongos kept in Prague, we can share this powerful story, thus gaining further support for the protection of these incredibly charismatic mammals. In many ways, it is like closing a circle, in which ex situ conservation, in situ protection and public education are all intertwined.”

First moments of the Prague-born eastern bongo male at Safari Park Dvůr Králové, where he is undergoing pre-flight quarantine. He will most likely leave the East Bohemian zoo for Kenya at the end of April. Photo: Helena Hubáčková, Safari Park Dvůr Králové

The animals are heading to Kenya as part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme’s (EEP) efforts to increase the genetic diversity of the African population. They should provide viable offspring for future in situ reintroduction projects. Ninety eight percent of the EEP bongos’ genealogy is known and shows a high level of genetic diversity, meaning low levels of inbreeding. This makes this EEP one of the most closely managed population-conservation initiatives for antelopes in the world.

When selecting the males, the EEP coordinator used strict scientific criteria. These included factors such as genetic representation, average relatedness plus the suitability of both age and personality. Every animal chosen was already well represented in the European population, meaning that their transfer will not jeopardise the viability of the European population in zoos, whilst providing the greatest conservation benefit in Kenya.

Přemysl Rabas, director of Safari Park Dvůr Králové, said: “The Safari Park is one of the first zoos in Europe to have started breeding eastern bongos. Josef Vágner imported the first animals directly from Kenya. Since 1974, there have been 110 calves born here, and all the bongos the EEP coordinator has selected from European zoos for transport to Kenya have a lineage in Dvůr Králové. After more than half a century, they are symbolically returning home. The Safari Park has been developing activities in Kenya for many years. This experience is why it was entrusted with organising such a major transport. Another important factor is that we have a special quarantine facility built for such purposes. By returning bongos to Kenya, we continue to fulfill our mission.”

Portrait of one of the world’s most endangered large mammals, the eastern bongo, taken in Kenya. Photo: Anthony Ochieng Onyango

The veterinary preparation for the transport was extensive and based on the precautionary principle. Every animal has undergone comprehensive screening for diseases in accordance with the import requirements of the Kenyan Directorate of Veterinary Services. This includes a strictly defined quarantine period during which the animals undergo further health checks prior to being sent off.

Once they arrive at Nairobi airport, the four males will be formally received by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Under strict veterinary supervision, a convoy of vehicles will transport them to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC). There, each animal will undergo acclimatisation and detailed monitoring before being gradually integrated into the reserve’s breeding programme.

Robert Aruho, Director of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, said: “These males are a key component of our reintroduction programme. Having reached the milestone of 100 eastern bongos born at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, we are now focused on long-term growth in line with the national target of at least 750 bongos by 2050. Acquiring these genetically valuable males will strengthen our breeding programme’s structure, accelerate population growth and play a vital role in building a resilient population that can support the species’ reintroduction and its long-term survival in Kenyan forests.” 

This reintroduction programme is a prime example of international cooperation. It combines state-of-the-art ex situ population management with a long-term, scientifically based effort to save one of the world’s most endangered ungulate species. Prague Zoo and Safari Park Dvůr Králové will continue to provide updates on further developments, including the transport itself.