Paignton Zoo welcomes critically rare species

Paignton Zoo has welcomed a critically rare new arrival as part of an international breeding programme.

A female eastern bongo recently transferred from Folly Farm in Wales to join the zoo’s resident pair, Bowie and Ada. The move comes amid warnings that, without intervention, the species could disappear from its native Kenya within two decades.

Liam Southern, Senior Keeper of Mammals at Paignton Zoo, said: "With fewer than 100 eastern bongos remaining in the wild, every breeding opportunity is crucial.  Although it’s been a while since we last bred bongos at Paignton Zoo, we have excellent facilities here, and early signs are very promising."   

The eastern bongo is one of the largest forest antelopes in the world and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with species like lions and rhinos.

Above: Female bongo Koffi has arrived from Folly Farm in Wales as part of a breeding programme to boost populations of this critically endangered species

The move is part of a coordinated breeding programme overseen by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), which manages strategic pairings across accredited zoos to maintain genetic diversity in the captive population.

Paignton Zoo has said that zoos face growing pressure to make breeding programmes work to prevent species extinction, with success often depending on careful matchmaking and integration into existing groups.

Liam continued: "When you say Paignton Zoo, people think about lions, rhinos, and orangutans. While all of those species are incredible, our bongos are equally as magnificent and their story is just as compelling. We encourage the public to take the time to visit them and see for themselves how impressive they truly are. Every ticket sold helps us continue our vital conservation work for endangered species like the eastern bongo." 

You can donate to support conservation efforts and wildlife projects via the zoo’s website or at various donation points throughout the zoo.