The Bedford Estates, LondonA sweet new arrival
Keepers at Woburn Safari Park are overjoyed to announce the arrival of a critically endangered Eastern mountain bongo calf born to first time mum, Odongo the bongo, and dad, Sonny, on Monday, 5th May!
Odongo's twin sister, Othaya, welcomed calf Djembe in October 2024. Now, just months later, Odongo has followed with her own healthy calf - an extraordinary moment for both the Park and the species’ conservation.
The newborn’s tiny frame made his early days challenging, requiring gentle physiotherapy from keepers to help him gain strength in his hips and rear legs. But Odongo’s instincts quickly took over, and she has blossomed into a nurturing, protective mother, ensuring her calf thrives. Their shared journey speaks to the resilience of these magnificent animals and the power of family bonds.
The young calf’s first meeting with the herd was a whirlwind of energy, as he eagerly dashed around, taking in his new surroundings. From the start, Djembe showed a special connection to his new cousin, staying close and offering gentle reassurance. Keepers have even witnessed heartwarming moments—sweet nose-to-nose greetings, as if the older calf is welcoming his little relative into the family. This budding bond is a beautiful reminder of the strong social ties within the herd, where companionship and protection go hand in hand.
A Rare Pair of Sisters
Born on 3rd August 2014 at Woburn Safari Park, Othaya and Odongo are an extraordinarily rare pair - one of only two surviving sets of bongo twins ever recorded in captivity worldwide. Growing up, their bond was inseparable, and now, as mothers, they continue to support each other. Odongo, preparing for her own journey into motherhood, showed great care for Othaya’s calf, Djembe, grooming him and offering affectionate reassurance. Their remarkable story highlights the importance of family ties and conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.
Head of section Tom Robson said: "We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our second male bongo calf to the herd at Woburn. After a six-year breeding gap, two healthy calves were born within months of each other, marking is a major success for the captive breeding programme. As a critically endangered species, every birth plays a vital role in securing the future of these beautiful animals. Odongo has embraced motherhood beautifully, it’s just wonderful to see her offering her newborn the strongest possible start in life."