Amara’s calf marks the seventh Eastern bongo birth at our Zoo over the past four years!

There’s a new baby around the trainyard! Our Eastern bongos Amara and Sebastian welcomed their newborn female calf on the morning of April 3.  

Fewer than 200 Eastern bongos exist in their natural range in Kenya because of habitat loss and poaching, meaning every bongo birth is a step toward conserving this critically endangered species.  

Births like these are all part of the species’ Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP). By rebuilding the Eastern bongo population in AZA-accredited organizations, we hope to protect the species from extinction.  

The little one has joined the rest of the herd and has been seen receiving plenty of grooming and affection from her bongo family, said area supervisor Tammi Cunigan. 

The calf was born with an extra floppy right ear, which has since straightened out.

“We are very excited to see that Amara is such a good mom, and we have another healthy bongo to add to our growing herd,” said Tammi. 

Since Eastern bongo mothers are naturally cautious with their newborns, Amara has been hiding her newborn away in nearby palms for most of the day. But keep your eyes peeled on your next train ride, and you may be able to spot her! 

Special thanks to Flammio Financial Group, Stifel-Garvin Wealth Management Group, Artemis IT, and Jim and Darleen Barfield. Their generosity makes our work possible! 

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.