Nairobi: 17 mountain bongos have been successfully relocated from Palm Beach County, Florida, to a specially designed sanctuary on the northeastern slopes of Mount Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.
According to Kenya News Agency, the bongos were repatriated to Kenya on February 23rd, and a month later, they appear to have adapted well to their new environment, with expectations of breeding to increase their population.
This remarkable feat was achieved through the collaboration of several organizations, including the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida, which donated the bongos to the Kenyan government after years of research and breeding efforts. The initiative was further supported by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Tusk, DHL, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
In preparation for the journey, RSCF carefully selected 17 bongos-comprised of 12 females and five males-from its breeding herds. The animals underwent pre-shipment testing and were vaccinated against pathogens, receiving a pioneering recombinant-DNA vaccine developed by the Infectious Diseases Laboratory at the University of Georgia and Kenya's International Livestock Research Institute to protect against tick-borne diseases.
On February 22nd, the bongos were crated and sedated for their 30-hour journey from Palm Beach International Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, aboard a Mountain Bongo-branded DHL Boeing 767. Accompanied by three US animal-care experts, the animals traveled 7,146 nautical miles, with custom-built crates and six tons of pelleted feed in tow. Upon arrival, the Kenya Wildlife Service transported them 250 kilometers by road to their new sanctuary.
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in partnership with the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust (MBRCT) and Kenya Forest Service, played a key role in the construction of the 20-acre mountain bongo sanctuary. This facility is part of Kenya's first conservation public-private-community partnership and a cornerstone of the National Bongo Action and Recovery Plan. The sanctuary aims to provide a secure home and breeding ground to re-establish sustainable bongo populations across the Mount Kenya ecosystem.
Mike Watson, Chief Executive Officer of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, hailed the return of the mountain bongos as a momentous event in restoring Kenya's natural heritage. Prof. Amb. Judi Wakhungu, a Lewa Board Member, highlighted the historical and conservation significance of the achievement, noting the international partnerships that have preserved this endangered species.
John Kinoti, chairman of the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust, expressed gratitude to all partners involved in the project and emphasized the favorable climate of the area for bongo breeding. He noted that the project has not only been a victory for conservation but also for local communities, creating employment opportunities and promoting investment in community initiatives.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy remains committed to protecting and restoring endangered species across Kenya's protected areas and vital ecosystems, reinforcing its mission beyond the conservancy's boundaries.