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Incredibly rare antelope captured on camera in region where they were thought to have disappeared

Newly released data paints grim picture of the numbers of Africa’s rarest antelope in vital stronghold

But photo evidence suggests individual mountain bongos have re-appeared outside protected areas

Conservationists say momentum is growing for the recovery of the species

These pictures have been shared following the transfer of zoo-bred bongos to Kenya and ahead of the publication of a crucial new conservation plan

An incredibly rare antelope species has been rediscovered in an area where they were thought to be locally extinct.

For more than half a decade, conservationists feared the wild mountain bongo population, detected in four isolated areas eight years ago, had shrunk to a tiny range in the Aberdare mountains in Kenya.

Now trail cam photographs, shared to mark World Bongo Day on May 31, show bongos exploring a remnant forest fragment in Maasai Mau, roughly 200km from the Aberdares population.

The images come at a key moment in bongo conversation. A hi-tech survey was carried out in 2025 by Chester Zoo, following guidance from the Mountain Bongo Project (MBP) and with the support of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Kenya Wildlife Service.

The AI survey results, made public here for the first time, showed only 28 individuals in the Aberdares stronghold.

Tommaso Sandri, a Chester Zoo conservationist and MBP Advisory Council member said:

“I believe the world would be poorer for their loss. Their presence makes the forest more magical. This is a problem caused by people, and we need people to fix it. Without everyone sharing their expertise and resources, the bongo could be lost.

“We are observing wild-living bongos through conservation monitoring, but we don’t want to get to the point that we keep watching them until they disappear.”

Rangers from MBP, the only conservation organisation solely to protecting the last remaining wild population of mountain bongos, confirmed there are likely fewer than 40 bongos in Aberdares. However, the appearance of the Maasai Mau bongo brings renewed hope for the species.

The mature male captured by the cameras was likely first identified back in 2018 by Dr Sandri, who suggested that if it has remained hidden for years then other bongos may also still be in the area. This hope was borne out when cameras returned more images.

Markings analysis has now confirmed these show an additional young male and a young female have appeared in the region.

He said: “This is huge news. Unlike Aberdares, Maasai Mau is not a national park, and the reappearance of bongo may focus organisations on increasing broader protections. It’s a testament to the persistence of the MBP rangers who work in incredibly difficult and isolated conditions to monitor and protect this antelope.”

Bongos are the largest forest antelope in Africa, but their extreme rarity and shyness make them difficult to track.

MBP’s Maasai Mau rangers are Okiek and Maasai people who draw on long-held knowledge about the local ecosystem.

Oscar Dyer, Director of Operations at MPB, said:

“The excitement in camp was unbelievable when we first looked through the photos. This image is the result of years of hard work by our rangers on the ground in one of Kenya’s most inaccessible forests. Seeing a bongo here again is incredibly exciting — and it reinforces our determination to continue searching, protecting this forest, and finding evidence of more bongos in the area.”

Bongo conservationists, led by experts at Chester Zoo, are already working on a new action plan to coordinate bongo safeguarding work, which will be published soon.

Stuart Nixon, Chester Zoo’s Regional Field Programme Senior Manager for Africa, partners with the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Kenya Wildlife Services, providing technical support such as AI monitoring to boost their conservation efforts.

Mr Nixon said: “It’s difficult to put a finger on why numbers aren’t increasing. Surveys show there are habitats they could expand into. Perhaps their numbers are so low that a natural level of predation is depressing the population. Even when only a few calves are taken by predators, there aren’t enough left to let the group grow. So, we have a population that’s stable, but small and ageing.”

There are about 900 bongos in zoos and sanctuaries like the one operated by the MKWC. There is interest in both reintroducing bongos to the wild, and in protecting wild populations, as this will preserve vital genetic diversity for the species. The recent translocation of four European-born males coordinated by Chester Zoo helped reinforce the sanctuary population in Kenya.

Robert Aruho, head MKWC, said: "The Mau population represents a significant genetic pool for mountain bongos and it is therefore vital for long-term conservation."

Reinforcement from bongos cared for by organisations like Chester Zoo and MKWC could provide a way forward, boosting the population to sustainable levels. Meanwhile, MBP continues to protect the bongos still roaming in the wild.

Oscar Dyer added:

“The mountain bongo is not beyond saving, but it does need us to act together. Collaboration between organisations like MBP, Chester Zoo, and our partners brings hope and is turning knowledge, protection, and persistence into real impact on the ground. With sustained support, we can ensure wild bongos continue to live in Kenya’s forests.”

Fact File:

Bongos and bongo habitats:

Historically, bongos were affected by game hunting and the removal of wild bongos by collectors. They are still affected by habitat destruction and disturbance.

They prefer areas with rich volcanic soil and a good water supply, which makes the land they prefer in demand for agriculture.

The remaining Aberdares bongos live in a well-protected National Park, but the Maasai Mau population does not currently have these same protections.

MPB rangers have found signs of illegal logging as close as two kilometres from where the male bongo was captured on camera.

The Maasai Mau is also home to range of other at-risk species, including yellow backed duiker and giant pangolin.

Conservation:

Chester Zoo experts have spent more than a decade (11 years) coordinating a breeding programme across European conservation zoos.

The announcement of the reappearance of bongos in Maasai Mau comes shortly after four males chosen on the basis of age, health and genetics - were transferred from European zoos to Kenya as part of an active rewilding effort centred on the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, an in-country sanctuary for mountain bongos.

The conservancy has reached a milestone of 100 mountain bongos bred in human care, and the four Europe-born bongos will help them increase numbers with the aim of phased reintroductions.

The repatriation was a collaboration between European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), Kenya Wildlife Service and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

Experts drawing on genetic studies say that ex situ breeding and release projects should dovetail with in situ conservation work to ensure the establishment of a genetically sustainable wild population.

Chester Zoo is supporting both in and ex situ conservation, providing technical support and data analysis for MBP, caring for bongos on the zoo site and coordinating bongo breeding across European zoos.

Planning and coordination are crucial to successful conservation. Tommaso Sandri from Chester Zoo is leading on drafting a conservation action plan, drawing together the various organisations involved in the care and conservation of mountain bongos, and set out key priorities and actions over the next decade.

Conservationists hope for cubs as endangered red panda meets her perfect match at Chester Zoo

An adorable two-year-old female red panda, called Akashi, has arrived at Chester Zoo

She has been selected as the ideal genetic pairing for the zoo’s male panda, Koda

Conservationists hope the duo will have cubs together as part of efforts to safeguard the species

Red panda numbers have plummeted by 40% in two decades – leaving just 10,000 in the wild

Deforestation, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade threaten their survival

First images show Akashi exploring trees in her new home

A female red panda has met her ‘blind date’ after arriving at Chester Zoo – and early signs suggest she’s found her perfect match.

Two-year-old Akashi has just arrived from Blackpool Zoo as part of conservation efforts to help safeguard one of the world’s most charismatic species from extinction.

She has been chosen as the perfect companion for the zoo’s male panda, Koda, based on her age, health and genetics - a pairing that will help bolster the conservation breeding programme and secure the future of the species.

New images show Akashi exploring her new home for the first time as she climbs trees and comes face-to-face with her new mate.

Zookeepers have described their introduction to each other as a “blind date” moment and say that early interactions have been “incredibly positive” between the pandas.

Dave White, Team Manager at the zoo, said:

“Akashi has spent her first few days settling in and exploring her new home. At just two years old, she’s already a really confident panda and it didn’t take long before she was climbing trees, foraging for food and chewing through plenty of bamboo.

“Red pandas are shy and calm creatures, but they can be highly territorial, which is why we didn’t waste any time in introducing Akashi and Koda. It was a real ‘blind date’ moment, but initial signs have been incredibly positive. We’ve already seen some playful chasing and a couple of feisty stand-offs over the best tree branches and favourite sleep spots – which is completely normal panda behaviour and exactly what you want to see.

“Now they’re settling in, we’re hopeful that Koda and Akashi will form a strong bond and, in time, we might one day hear tiny squeaks of cubs coming from their den – playing an important role in securing a long-term future for this wonderful species.”

Red pandas are found in mountainous regions of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar and southern China where fewer than 10,000 are thought to remain in the wild. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared the species as endangered – the second highest priority on its Red List of threatened species – with an urgent need for conservation action.

The population has declined by 40% in the past two decades, largely due to habitat loss, poaching and trapping for the illegal wildlife trade. In some parts of the world, their distinctive red fur is used to make ceremonial hats for newly-weds, where they are a symbol of happy marriage.

Despite their name, red pandas aren’t closely related to giant pandas and are, in fact, considered the original panda species in China. They were discovered more than 50 years before the giant panda and only share the name due to a distant common ancestor that lived millions of years ago.

Red panda facts:

Akashi arrived at Chester Zoo on Wednesday 18 March 2026

Red pandas are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list of threatened species

Recent estimates suggest there are only 10,000 individuals left in the wild

Threats to this species are habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade and poaching

The ultimate cause of these threats is due to the high rate of human growth in the surrounding areas

Their range is known to cover Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar and southern China

At first glance red pandas look similar to racoons, having long, bushy tails, patterned with 12 alternating rich red and buff coloured rings

An average adult will be 50-64cm in length and will weigh 3-6kg

Chester Zoo has joined two other major zoos to found and forge a pioneering cryopreservation conservation partnership.

In a bold step for global wildlife conservation, Toronto Zoo (Canada), Chester Zoo (United Kingdom) and Dublin Zoo (Ireland) today announced a strategic partnership to expand efforts in wildlife cryobanking.

Representatives from the zoos met at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, one of the most significant events in global conservation, which is currently underway in Abi Dhabi.

The event is an opportunity for Chester Zoo to showcase its field projects, science and education work to key colleagues in the conservation world, with delegates speaking on panels and delivering workshops on species survival and habitat protection.

This collaborative cryopreservation initiative aims to safeguard the living genetic material of both native and globally threatened species, strengthening future conservation and restoration efforts worldwide.

Live cell cryobanking involves preserving genetic material, such as sperm, oocytes (eggs), embryos, tissue, and cultured cells, from animals. When stored in ultra-low temperatures, cells can remain viable for decades, allowing conservationists to support future breeding programs by maintaining or restoring genetic diversity.

Unlike sample storage for DNA, live cell cryobanking can be used in assisted reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. These approaches are especially valuable for declining populations at risk of inbreeding due to small size or isolation.

Dr Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo, said: “The use of cryopreservation is an actively growing field. Species survival depends on thriving and genetically healthy populations, and by building cryopreservation to support conservation efforts, it is becoming an effective tool in the fight against extinction. Alongside Toronto Zoo and Dublin Zoo, the goal of this international partnership is to support each other and our global zoo community with effective biobanking initiatives.”

These three leading zoos strongly believe conservation doesn’t happen in isolation. It is most successfully achieved through partnerships, by working together, supporting each other and striving toward shared goals. This agreement is a tangible example of what the zoo community can contribute to conservation science, and we believe that the field will only become more collaborative in future.

Dr Gabriela Mastromonaco, Toronto Zoo Chief Science Officer, said: “Cryobanking represents one of the more powerful tools in conservation today. By preserving living cells from endangered and at-risk species, we can help ensure their genetic diversity is not lost. It is necessary for accredited zoos to prepare for a future where these genetic resources may be critical to securing species survival.”

The multi-zoo alliance will focus on sharing best practices, enhancing cryopreservation techniques across species, and coordinating regional and international efforts. The partnership also aligns with broader global initiatives, including the IUCN Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group. Additionally, the zoos will work together to raise awareness of the potential of wildlife cryobanking among conservationists, academic researchers, and the public.

Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer, Dublin Zoo, said: “This partnership with Toronto Zoo, a global leader in biobanking and cryopreservation, is a vital step to secure a genetically healthy future for wildlife, both in Ireland and globally. Together we can preserve the genetic diversity of wild species, locally and internationally, helping to ensure populations remain healthy and resilient in a rapidly changing world for generations to come. This collaboration directly supports Dublin Zoo’s Conservation Master Plan and goal to establish Ireland’s first National Wildlife Biobanking Hub. By aligning our efforts internationally, we can amplify the impact of our local initiatives.”

This partnership reflects the growing role of accredited zoos as conservation leaders and showcases how innovation and collaboration can drive solutions to the planet’s most pressing biodiversity challenges. This unified effort signals a major leap forward in preserving Earth’s biodiversity, ensuring that critical genetic material is accessible for research, restoration, and resilience now and for generations to come.

Dr Gabriela Mastromonaco, Toronto Zoo Chief Science Officer, Dr Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo and Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer, Dublin Zoo

One of the world’s rarest pigs is born at Chester Zoo

The birth of a Visayan warty pig is celebrated by keepers at the charity zoo

As few as 200 of the rare animals remain in the wild

Species is on the brink of extinction from habitat loss and hunting

Piglet is huge boost to breeding programme that is working to safeguard their future

Conservationists at Chester Zoo are working in the Philippines to help prevent their extinction.

One of the world’s rarest pig species has been born at Chester Zoo.

The arrival of a Visayan warty piglet has given cause for celebration for keepers at the charity zoo, with as few as 200 now remaining in the wild.

The male newcomer arrived to mum Gwen (9) and dad Tre (10) on 16 November 2021 and now joins a family of five.

These forest-dwelling pigs are listed as critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN).

The species has suffered a drastic population decline in the wild. Agricultural expansion and logging have devastated vast amounts of their native habitat in the Philippines, and they are also hunted for their meat and persecuted for raiding crops – making them one of the rarest wild pigs on the planet.

The latest addition to the breeding programme will be an ambassador for his relatives in the wild.

Mark Brayshaw, Curator of Mammals at Chester Zoo, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the birth of any animal, but when they’re critically endangered and fighting for survival in the wild, it makes it even more special. Baby piglets are incredibly energetic and playful, and so the whole group will certainly be kept very busy over the coming months!

“Visayan warty pigs aren’t just your average pig. During breeding season, males develop a long, protruding mane from their head, giving them a mohawk-like hairstyle. Both mum Gwen and dad Tre are named after punk rockers Gwen Stefani and Tre Cool as a result of this iconic look, and I’m sure it won’t be long until we’ve decided a suitable name to follow in that tradition.

“Every piglet is a vital addition to the breeding programme and will help champion the plight of this fascinating, charismatic species.”

Chester Zoo’s latest arrival is vitally important to the endangered species breeding programme which is looking to maintain a genetically viable population of Visayan warty pigs in zoos around Europe.

The Visayan warty pig was recently recognised as a species in its own right. Little is currently known about these animals in the wild and experts say that by working closely with them in the zoo, they can transfer knowledge to further support the animals in the wild.

Stuart Young, Regional Field Programme Manager for South East Asian Islands at Chester Zoo, explains:

“Working with Visayan warty pigs in the zoo gives us the opportunity to study these animals in a way we never would have been able to in the wild.

“However, the important knowledge gathered here at the zoo is then shared with our partners at the Talarak Foundation in Negros, the Philippines, and has helped with the reintroduction of 19 Visayan warty pigs back into the wild. The pigs were reintroduced to Bayawan Nature Reserve in Negros in July 2020, where the animals had been extinct for more than 10 years. We’re absolutely delighted to reveal that the population is now thriving and 10 piglets have been born since they were rehomed.

“Although pigs can sometimes be overlooked, and don’t gather the attention that other bigger mammals receive, they play a really important role in the ecosystem - which is why we must continue to prevent their extinction.”

Visayan warty pigs live in small social groups and communicate with squeaks, grunts and chirrups. Piglets take their mother’s milk for up to six months, moving on to a varied diet that includes roots, tubers and fruits.

Chester Zoo was the first zoo in the UK to care for Visayan warty pigs, a species that gets its name from three pairs of fleshy warts on the boar’s face.

The breeding centre in the Philippines, and the nature reserve where the pigs were released, have recently been hit by a deadly typhoon causing damage to fences and buildings. Chester Zoo is supporting the Talarak Foundation with repair costs, but extra funding is needed.One of the world’s rarest pig species has been born at Chester Zoo.