Baby Bongo Born at the Potter Park Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: March 18, 2022 5:03 pm

A female eastern bongo calf born at the Potter Park Zoo on March 8th 2022

Photo Credit: Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo have announced their first birth of this season, an eastern bongo calf. Mother Uzuri welcomed the calf on Tuesday March 8th. This is the first bongo calf born at the zoo since 2014 and the first in their history.

“It’s been eight years since the zoo welcomed an eastern bongo calf. This is an exciting occasion for the entire staff” said Animal Care Supervisor Pat Fountain. “We are proud to contribute to this rare population and hope zoo visitors will enjoy watching the bongo family this spring”. 

The father of the calf is Maverick. He was paired with Uzuri by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). A total of 300 bongo are housed in AZA zoos but only a handful are selected to breed each year.

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“With such a precarious situation for this species in the wild, the importance of captive breeding populations to help keep this species from going extinct is increasing and we are excited that Potter Park can contribute to this effort.” said Potter Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Health Dr. Ronan Eustace.  

Only around 100 bongos are thought to remain in the wild. Their ornate horns and striking orange coat make them a target for poachers. They are among the largest and most striking members of the antelope family.

Both the male and female bongo have horns which begin to grow a few months after they were born.

At present the calf is off display with mom Uzuri where it is reported to be healthy and gaining weight.

Learn more about Bongos here - Bongo Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Potter Park Zoo on their website – Potter Park Zoo

Mother Uzuri cares for her calf behind the scenes at the Potter Park Zoo

Photo Credit: Potter Park Zoo