Potter Park Zoo is happy to announce the birth of a female eastern bongo calf, a critically endangered member of the antelope family. Born Dec. 10 to first-time parents Zahara and Moose, this birth marks a significant milestone in the conservation of this rare species.
The calf’s mother, Zahara, was born at Potter Park Zoo in March 2022, while the father, Moose, came to the zoo from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as part of the Eastern Bongo Species Survival Plan (SSP)—a collaborative effort between zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to protect and sustain vulnerable species. This is the third eastern bongo birth at Potter Park Zoo since 2014 and only the sixth in the zoo’s history.
The veterinary team conducted an initial examination shortly after the calf’s birth. They performed a health check, drew blood, and determined the calf’s sex. The calf weighed in at 12.75 kg (~28 lbs) during her first weigh-in. The team reports that the calf appears healthy and is doing well under Zahara’s attentive care.
“Bongos are critically endangered, so each birth is incredibly special,” said Dr. Ronan Eustace, Potter Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Health. “The calf appears healthy, and Zahara has demonstrated excellent maternal instincts as a first-time mom.”
Eastern bongos, native to the remote mountain forests of central Kenya, are a striking species known for their vibrant reddish-brown coats, white markings, and long, spiraled horns—traits shared by both males and females, an uncommon characteristic among antelope. Standing up to four feet tall at the shoulder and measuring over eight feet in length, bongos are also renowned for their exceptional hearing abilities.
Sadly, fewer than 100 eastern bongos remain in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. With roughly 149 individuals living in AZA-accredited zoos across the country, breeding programs like those at Potter Park Zoo play a vital role in ensuring the survival of this critically endangered species.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide to all of our animals every single day,” said Pat Fountain, Animal Care Supervisor at Potter Park Zoo. “We’re thrilled to welcome another healthy bongo calf into our herd.”
Currently, the calf is being closely monitored indoors with her mother, Zahara. The animal care team reports the calf is doing great, nursing well, and continues to gain weight. Visitors can follow her progress on Potter Park Zoo’s social media channels, where updates will be shared, including when she will make her public debut in the outdoor habitat—likely in spring 2025.
Potter Park Zoo is home to nearly 350 including critically endangered black rhinos, endangered red pandas, and native species like the Massasauga rattlesnake. Located in Lansing, Michigan, the zoo is open 364 days a year, welcoming visitors to connect with and learn about animals from around the world.
For more information, visit www.potterparkzoo.org and follow us on social media for the latest news and updates.
