Like many bongo calves, this baby hasn’t quite grown into his big ears yet!

Our Zoo recently welcomed a critically endangered Eastern bongo calf! The male calf, weighing just over 50 pounds, was born Nov. 12 in our Trainyard.  

His parents, Denver and Sebastian, were matched by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), which couples animals in accredited organizations to build healthy populations.  

Eastern bongos are critically endangered with fewer than 200 bongos remaining in their natural range. For this reason, the SSP program is especially important for the preservation of the Eastern bongo population. The program has recommended that we continue to allow the two to breed until their genes have been represented well, said Expedition Africa area supervisor Tammi Thompson Cunigan. 

The calf joins his big sister, Wubbie, and his half siblings, Ginger, Rio and Flounder, as the ninth bongo in our Zoo’s herd. 

“Denver has been a good mom, and the herd has been curious and excited about the new addition,” Tammi said. “Flounder and Wubbie especially have enjoyed having another baby to play with.” 

The calf has a unique, pea-sized pink spot in the middle of his nostrils! 

In their natural range, Eastern bongos stash their babies away in bushes to protect them from being preyed upon. So, Denver will likely try to tuck her calf away out of natural instinct. But with some luck, guests with good eyes (or a pair of binoculars) can spot the calf around the trainyard! 

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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.