On Sunday, February 23rd, a landmark conservation effort culminated in the successful repatriation of 17 mountain bongos from Palm Beach County, Florida, to a specially established sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Kenya.
This momentous event represents a significant stride in Kenya’s mission to recover one of its most iconic and critically endangered species. The successful repatriation of the mountain bongos, achieved through multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborative expertise, reflects Lewa’s firm commitment to wildlife conservation.
The repatriated bongos, the fruit of decades of dedicated research and breeding since 1991, were generously donated by the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida to the Kenyan government. The complex logistical operation required to transport these animals was made possible through the seamless collaboration of RSCF, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Tusk, DHL, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Upon arrival, the KWS facilitated the 250-kilometre road transport to their new sanctuary. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in partnership with the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust (MBRCT) and the Kenya Forest Service, played a pivotal role in constructing the 20-acre mountain bongo sanctuary.
This sanctuary, a pioneering public-private community conservation partnership in Kenya, forms a crucial component of the nation’s National Bongo Action and Recovery Plan. It provides a secure environment for the bongos to thrive and breed, with the ultimate goal of re-establishing sustainable populations across the Mount Kenya ecosystem and beyond.
“Bringing the mountain bongos back to Kenya is a great moment in the restoration of the country’s natural heritage,” stated Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. “For decades, these animals have been largely absent from the very forests where they belong, and this project will be crucial in reversing that loss. Seeing them set foot on Kenyan soil again is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organisations work together.”
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy remains committed to protecting and restoring endangered species, not only within its boundaries but across Kenya’s protected areas and vital ecosystems. Through strategic partnerships and landscape-level conservation initiatives, they are dedicated to safeguarding Kenya’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
Learn More: Ground Breaking of the Bongo and Rhino Sanctuary in Mt. Kenya
