Critically endangered eastern mountain bongo calf born at UK safari park
The male calf was born at Woburn Safari Park in Woburn, Bedfordshire, to first-time mother Odongo and father Sonny.
Keepers said the calf needed physiotherapy shortly after his birth on May 5 to strengthen his hips and rear legs, but is now doing well.
On his introduction to the herd, the young calf was said to have eagerly dashed around and took in his new surroundings.
The birth follows that of another male calf, Djembe, born to Odongo's twin sister Othaya in October 2024.
Odongo and Othaya were born at Woburn on August 3 2014 and are one of only two surviving sets of bongo twins ever recorded in captivity.
Keepers said they are inseparable and continue to support each other as mothers.
Their two young calves have already formed a bond, with nose-to-nose greetings and close interactions observed.
The park says Odongo's instincts quickly took over after the birth, and she has blossomed into a nurturing and protective mother.
The eastern mountain bongo is classified as critically endangered, with captive breeding programmes playing a key role in conservation efforts.
Woburn's head of section Tom Robson said: 'We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our second male bongo calf to the herd at Woburn.
'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.
'Odongo has embraced motherhood beautifully, it's just wonderful to see her offering her newborn the strongest possible start in life.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
41 minutes ago
- BBC News
Penwortham Rotary Club's new monument liked to a gravestone
A town's Rotary Club has had a new monument celebrating its history likened to a gravestone. The stone object was installed on on Liverpool Road in Penwortham, Preston, by the Preston South Rotary Club on Monday. But it quickly prompted a flurry of comments on Facebook, with one woman saying her young daughter had said: "Oh no, look mummy. Someone died."The Rotary Club said it was planning to change the design of the stone but did not indicate if the move was in response to the reception it had had. The stone has received some positive reviews."I think it looks great. A huge thank you to the rotary for again serving our community and volunteering their time to not only contribute but make it look nicer."Maybe some of the critics should try grabbing a trowel and doing something different," one Facebook user said. The Rotary Club said it was changing the stone to a circular design with the hope the stone will attract new Preston South club was set up in 1967 to help local charities, groups and individuals. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Tributes to Leicester school head who had 'huge personality'
A family has paid tribute to a former head teacher, describing him as a man who was "charismatic and generous" with a "huge personality". Ahmad Khan, who was the former head of Charnwood Primary School, in the Highfields area, died on Monday at the age of the mid-70s he taught at Newry Junior School in Leicester, before he moved to Charnwood Primary School in 1988, where he Nagdi, a community advocate in the city, said it was an "honour and privilege" to know Mr Khan for almost 50 years, both personally and professionally. 'A father figure' Mr Khan's family said he dedicated his career to education from the age of 18, teaching in Nairobi, the mid-70s he taught at Newry Junior School in Leicester, before he moved to Charnwood Primary School in 1988, where he 1998, Mr Khan received an MBE for services to education at the birthday grandfather and father-of-two was also the founding member and chairman of the Federation of Muslim Organisations in daughter Munazza Khan said her father, who was one of 14 siblings, was a "family man and loved his heritage"."He was fun loving," she said. "Everyone has a funny story to tell about him."He loved gardening and was a great cook. His door was always open to anyone."His leadership, fairness and energy drove him to make a difference to so many communities. "People saw him as a father figure, but we were lucky enough to have him as our dad." 'Leaves a legacy' Mr Nagdi added Mr Khan's passing represents an "incalculable loss" to the Muslim community."His students and all who knew him will experience a deep personal loss," he said."Ahmad helped shape young minds as a head teacher. Each student will have a story, and I'm sure they will remember the education he parted with them."Beyond his role in education, he was a pillar of the local Muslim community."Renowned for his integrity and strong character. His strength will be deeply cherished."Ahmad continued to offer invaluable counsel even after his retirement and leaves a legacy behind."
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Dorset Museum fundraises for 3,000-year-old blobs of gold
Two 3,000-year-old blobs of gold found in field in Dorset are the subject of a fundraising campaign to keep them in public gold remnants, weighing a total of 63g (2oz), were valued at £3,000 after being discovered by metal detectorists at Melcombe Horsey in October to be of very high purity, they are believed to be the by-product of Bronze Age goldworking Museum, which is hoping to acquire the treasure, has raised half the amount needed through grant funding and is appealing for donations for the rest. One of the pieces is about 4.5cm long (1.8in) and weighs just under 49g (1.7oz) while the second is 1.5cm long (0.6in) and weighs just about 14g (0.5oz).The museum's archaeology curator, Jon Marrow, said: "Though they may seem modest at first glance, these pieces offer an extraordinary glimpse into prehistoric craftsmanship. "They are tangible traces of human activity from a time when gold held powerful social and symbolic meaning."The fragments are part of a growing body of evidence pointing to significant Bronze Age activity in the finds include a copper-alloy axe head, a collection of gold fragments, and a bent gold bracelet, all within several hundred museum is hoping to acquire the objects to put on display and for further grant funding has come from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
