The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
Seventeen rare mountain bongos have returned back to Kenya after six decades in Florida, US.
From Florida to the celebrated bongos were transported by KWS to a New Santuary in Meru county.
Which is a major strides made to turn the wildlife taken during its struggle for independence.
The 17 are the third generation of the bongos since they were taken away and will be quarantined before reintroduced into the Kenyan ecosystem.
In Kenya, there are less than 100 mountain bongos.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the goal is to increase the population to more than 700 by 2050.
This repatriation follows years of cross-national talks and several multilateral agreements. The first repatriation occurred in 2004, when another group of mountain bongos was flown into the country.
The operation is a key part of Kenya’s conservation efforts, aiming to solidify the country’s position as a regional leader in tourism. It not only strengthens Kenya’s leadership in wildlife preservation but also seeks to revive a critically endangered species, boosting its population while creating jobs and improving community livelihoods.
“As we grow the mountain bongo population, we anticipate more tourists and increased revenue for Kenya,” Miano said. “Together, we are building a sustainable future for our wildlife and communities.”
Spotting these animals has been rare for mountain enthusiasts, but as their numbers grow, sightings are likely to increase.
Both Miano and KWS Director General Dr Erastus Kanga emphasized that the return of the mountain bongos will play a vital role in restoring biodiversity to the ecosystem.
Kanga noted that another batch of mountain bongos is expected from Europe within the next three months as Kenya works to boost the species’ numbers and enhance tourism.
