Cute endangered mountain bongo born at Marwell
A floppy-eared critically endangered mountain bongo has been born at a Hampshire Zoo
The baby, born to parents Canela and Ituri on Monday (30 January), is said to be doing well.
In the wild, mountain bongos are found in four distinct areas of Kenya where they live in forests and highlands.
It’s thought there are fewer than 100 of these animals left in the wild as populations continue to decline.
Mountain bongos prefer areas with tall shrubs such as forest edges and areas where the forest has been disturbed, causing new growth.
Calves are often left hidden in vegetation after birth to conceal them from predators.
Mothers will return for them to suckle.
Leopards are the main predators of bongos and when under threat they will run into the forest with their horns held against the back of their necks so they don’t get snagged on the undergrowth.
The species faces a number of threats, including hunting with dogs and loss of habitat as well as the risk of diseases from domestic cattle.
Male and female bongos are the same chestnut-red colour, but as they get older males get darker and females become paler.
The sex of the new calf isn’t currently known and we will leave Canela and her calf to bond and gain confidence during these early stages.
Rhianna Worsell, Animal keeper, said: "Both mum, Canela, and her calf are doing really well.
"The calf has been seen up and about exploring its enclosure with Canela following close behind.
"Canela has been very attentive towards her calf.
"The gender is currently unknown as we will leave them together to bond without any disturbance from us."