Woburn, United Kingdom – Woburn Safari Park is celebrating the birth of a healthy male Eastern Mountain bongo calf, marking a rare moment of hope for one of the world’s most endangered antelope species.

The calf was born at 8.30pm on Wednesday 15 April to experienced mother Odongo, after a smooth labour that was closely monitored by the park’s keeper team. Odongo, who previously raised calf Zambe, is recovering well and has quickly adapted to caring for her new offspring.

Weighing an estimated 15 to 20 kilograms, the newborn was soon standing and feeding. Keepers reported strong early movement, and within three days the calf joined the herd in the African Forest drive-through reserve. Visitors can now see him exploring, resting, and interacting with the group.

Keepers describe the young animal as “bold and energetic”, noting that he is most active in the morning before resting in sheltered areas later in the day.

At first, Odongo kept the rest of the herd at a distance, a protective behaviour typical for bongo mothers, but she has since relaxed as the group adjusted. Other calves have shown interest, and early social bonding has already begun.

The calf’s father is Pessaka, known to keepers as Sonny. His birth forms part of the EAZA Ex Situ Programme, a coordinated European breeding effort aimed at protecting the species. Woburn Safari Park now cares for eight bongos, with each birth supporting population growth.

Male calves are typically moved to other conservation centres at around two years of age to support breeding efforts elsewhere, and this calf is expected to follow that path.

The birth is significant given the species’ critical situation in the wild. Fewer than 100 Eastern Mountain bongos are believed to remain, with habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation driving the decline. Recent findings suggest only a few wild populations are still reproducing.

“Every birth really matters for this species,” said Tom Robson, Head of Section, Reserves at Woburn Safari Park. “With fewer than 100 Eastern Mountain bongos left in the wild, conservation breeding programmes like ours play a vital role. We hope seeing this calf helps visitors understand just how precious and vulnerable these animals are.”

Before the birth, keepers prepared the area with deep bedding to support the calf’s first movements. He is being monitored daily and is expected to begin grazing independently within six to eight weeks, while continuing to feed from his mother.

The calf is already visible to visitors in the Road Safari, where he can often be seen resting with the herd or sleeping nearby.

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