Two rare captive-bred bongos are being released into the Mavingu Game Reserve in Kenya. These animals belong to the forest antelope genus. There are fewer than 100 bongos left in the wild. In Kenya, they have been working for 20 years to restore their population.
Mavingu Nature Reserve is surrounded by a fence. This helps protect the bongos from predators. Here the antelopes learn to survive in the wild. Keepers gradually reduce the portion of food, and the bongos are forced to get food themselves. Over time, they will get used to it, feel strength and will even be able to resist predatory animals.
The bongo population has declined due to hunting and poaching.
The bongo breeding program began in 2004. There were already 18 animals in the reserve. The same amount was brought from the USA. Over the years, 24 bongos have been released into the reserve.
By 2025, another 50 bongos will be released into the reserve. When there are enough animals, the fence will be removed.
