Second endangered bongo calf born at safari park

The birth of a second mountain bongo in captivity in the UK has been described by zookeepers as "a major success" for the breeding programme.

Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire said the male calf's arrival was vital for the breed's future and followed the birth of another male there in October after a six-year breeding gap.

This type of antelope is listed as critically endangered in the wild, where it is believed fewer than 80 remain.

The park said the newest calf needed physiotherapy shortly after his birth on 5 May to strengthen his hips and rear legs but was now doing well.

The calves' mothers Odongo and Othaya were born at Woburn in August 2014 and are one of only two surviving pairs of bongo twins ever recorded in captivity.

Keepers said they were inseparable and continued to support each other as parents.

Their two young calves have already formed a bond, with nose-to-nose greetings and close interactions observed.

Woburn's head of section Tom Robson said: "After a six-year breeding gap, two healthy calves were born within months of each other, marking a major success for the captive breeding programme.

"As a critically endangered species, every birth plays a vital role in securing the future of these beautiful animals."

The mountain bongo is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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