Mount Kenya Welcomes Bongo Antelope

In Kenya, a conservation project is working to reestablish the mountain bongo population around Mount Kenya. Fewer than one hundred of these large, chestnut and white striped antelopes remain in the wild. Locals in Kanyoni village once hunted bongos for meat and hides, supplementing income from farm work and odd jobs.

Since 2004, the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy has flown bongos from zoos in the United States and Europe. These animals are bred and slowly reintroduced to the forest.

Last year, seventeen bongos arrived from Florida, aiming to diversify the gene pool. Veterinarian Robert Aruho leads the effort, tracking animals by reading forest signs like fresh bite marks.

The project costs roughly 2.5 million dollars annually and also focuses on creating local employment through reforestation and education. However, convincing villagers of the bongo’s value remains a challenge, as some question what benefit the animal brings. Researchers note that it may take generations to reach their goal of several hundred bongos by 2050.