Bongo move for conservation
Bongo Koffi has moved to Paignton Zoo as part of the European Breeding Programme.
Our five year old Eastern bongo, Koffi, has moved to Paignton Zoo in Devon today. This move was arranged on the recommendation of the studbook keeper for the species, through the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) Ex-situ programme (EEP).
All went swimmingly with the animal move this morning, with keepers and vets giving Koffi a thorough health check and making her comfortable prior to her road trip to Devon. We’ve already received news that she has arrived safe and sound at her new home, and has already been enjoying some food with her new friends at Paignton!
“We’re sad to say goodbye to Koffi, but we’re always excited when animal moves happen as part of the managed European breeding programmes. It means we’re taking that step to help conserve such incredible and rare species for future generations, such as the Eastern bongo”.
Caroline Davies, assistant zoo manager
There are two species of bongo – the mountain bongo and the eastern, or ‘lowland’ bongo. Eastern bongo are the species we house, and perhaps one of the rarest animals on the zoo, and both species are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
There are actually thought to be fewer than 150 bongo left in the wild! The biggest threats to their population are hunting and the destruction of their habitat. Groups such as the African Wildlife Foundation work tirelessly on initiatives such as ‘wildlife corridors’ (large areas of land allowing bongos to move freely and safely) and providing vital eco knowledge through education. We also support the work of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy – a conservation charity dedicated to preserving the Mountain Bongo, in the wild.
We still have females, ‘Jua’ and ‘Maja’ with us on the zoo and guests can view these lovely ladies near the camel enclosure.
