A recent late-night flight landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) transported more than just goods; it facilitated a pivotal advancement in Kenya’s wildlife conservation initiatives. On board were 17 mountain bongos, finally making their long-awaited return after spending years in Florida, USA.
These bongos represent the third generation of this rare and critically endangered species, which were initially taken from Kenya to the United States in the 1960s as part of a conservation program. Their repatriation signifies an important achievement in the ongoing mission to replenish their population and safeguard the species from extinction.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano highlighted the significance of this repatriation, labeling it a substantial enhancement to Kenya’s conservation efforts. This group marks the second set of mountain bongos to return to Kenya, following a successful repatriation effort in 2004. Furthermore, the country is expecting a third group in the near future, further reinforcing its dedication to protecting this distinctive subspecies of the bongo antelope.
Mountain bongos are native to Kenya and inhabit the lush forests of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya areas. Due to habitat destruction and poaching, their population has drastically decreased, rendering them critically endangered. The arrival of these 17 bongos is an encouraging indicator for the future of the species.
Upon their arrival, the bongos will undergo a quarantine period in Meru, allowing them to adjust to their natural surroundings. Following this isolation period, they are planned for release into the wild, where they can aid in the recovery of the species and contribute to population growth, ensuring that this extraordinary animal survives for future generations.
