Kenya Welcomes 17 Rare Mountain Bongos from the US
Kenya has taken a significant step in its conservation efforts by welcoming 17 critically endangered Mountain Bongos from Florida, USA. These majestic animals, representing the third generation of bongos that were originally taken from Kenya in the 1960s, arrived late Sunday night and have been transported to Meru County for quarantine and gradual reintroduction into their natural habitat.
This repatriation effort is part of a larger strategy to bolster the dwindling Mountain Bongo population in Kenya, which has alarmingly decreased to fewer than 100 in the wild. Wildlife experts affirm that the presence of these bongos in other parts of the world is a testament to their origins in Kenya. The newly arrived 17 bongos are expected to play a crucial role in breeding and revitalizing the species, potentially saving them from extinction.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has outlined an ambitious plan to increase the Mountain Bongo population to over 700 by 2050. This initiative follows years of cross-national discussions and multilateral agreements. The first repatriation of Mountain Bongos occurred in 2004, and Kenya is anticipating another batch from Europe within the next three months, signaling a sustained commitment to this conservation project.
“These majestic creatures will form the foundation of a thriving population at the Marania and Mucheene sanctuary in Meru County, where they will be nurtured and gradually reintroduced into their natural habitats,” stated CS Miano. Kenya Wildlife Service Director General, Dr. Erastus Kanga, emphasized the importance of this operation in enhancing Kenya’s conservation leadership and solidifying its position as a premier tourism destination in the region.
The return of the Mountain Bongos is not only expected to contribute to biodiversity but also to stimulate economic growth through increased tourism and job creation, thereby improving community livelihoods. CS Miano expressed optimism that as the Mountain Bongo population grows, sightings of these animals will become more frequent, attracting more mountain enthusiasts and tourists.
The Mountain Bongo, a critically endangered antelope, has seen its population plummet from approximately 500 in the 1970s due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal activities, disease, and fragmented populations. The ongoing repatriation efforts represent a vital step in reversing this decline and ensuring the survival of this rare and iconic species.
