We are thrilled to welcome a special addition to our Zoo family: an Eastern bongo baby! Mom, Denver, gave birth to a healthy male calf overnight on Dec. 5.  

This new addition is Denver’s third baby at our Zoo and our eighth bongo birth since 2021. Eastern bongos are critically endangered in their native range due to habitat loss and poaching, so we celebrate every Eastern bongo birth as a safeguard against extinction.  

Denver is a great mom and has been seen nursing and grooming the calf frequently. While our animal care team is still getting to know this baby’s personality, he does seem quite curious and likes to investigate his keepers and other herd members.  

While Denver is taking the lead caring for the calf, the other bongos have also shown interest in the newbie. His brothers and sisters have been observed grooming him, and other herd members have been interacting with him. Even our second youngest baby bongo, Cinnamon Muffin, seems to love having another young’un around. 

“It was really interesting the first day he was born,” said Expedition Africa Area Supervisor Tammy. “All the other bongos would eat really quickly and go back to him and check on him.”  

While baby bongos typically stay nestled down in brush during their first few weeks of life, you can try to spot this little one by taking a ride on our Cape to Cairo Express Train. Mom and son will be staying in their Trainyard habitat and continue to experience firsts together.  

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.