Four mountain bongos arrive from Czech Republic, moved to Mt. Kenya conservancy

In an update issued on Tuesday, the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy said the four male bongos, which landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday night, were transported to the conservancy in the early hours of the morning and are now settling in under close care.

The reception at JKIA was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, and brought together stakeholders including KWS Director General Prof Erustus Kanga, Czech Republic Ambassador Nicol Adamcova, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), KLM and MKWC.

The bongos arrived on a KLM cargo flight from the Czech Republic, where they had been under the care of Zoo Dvůr Králové.

MKWC patron Humphrey Kariuki said the conservancy now hosts 102 bongos, and that the additional males will help strengthen the gene pool.

Ambassador Adamcova said the translocation reflects long-standing conservation ties between Kenya and the Czech Republic and a shared commitment to protecting endangered species.

Prof Kanga described the arrival as “a moment of hope, responsibility, and renewed commitment” towards saving one of the world’s rarest large mammals.

CS Miano said introducing genetically diverse bongos is key to improving breeding resilience, while Mudavadi said the milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through policy, science and partnership.

The conservancy said the move is part of the National Recovery and Action Plan for the Mountain Bongo, with the goal of restoring the species to its natural habitat.