ATLANTA — Matlida, a 7-year-old eastern bongo at Zoo Atlanta, is expecting a calf.
According to Zoo Atlanta, the pregnancy was confirmed via ultrasound this month and will be the fifth offspring of Matilda and her mate, Tambo. The calf is due in June.
Eastern bongos are large African antelopes known for their long, curving horns and striped red-brown coats.
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Zoo Atlanta says the eastern bongo is critically endangered with fewer than 500 of the animals remaining in the wild in their native Kenya. Their most imminent threats are habitat destruction and poaching.
“We’re delighted to learn that Matilda is expecting again. We have many visitors who have never even seen an eastern bongo, so we have the opportunity to introduce our guests to these beautiful animals,” said Raymond B. King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “Even more importantly, we have the chance to help our guests understand that this is a rare mammal facing very real threats in the wild, and that Zoo Atlanta and organizations like Zoo Atlanta are working together to preserve and protect this species.”
The zoo says Matilda and Tambo were recommended to breed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Bongo Species Survival Plan, which seeks to maintain a self-sustaining, genetically diverse population in North American zoos and has reintroduced bongos born in zoos to eastern Africa.
Matilda and Bongo’s firstborn, Beauregard, born in 2011, was the first eastern bongo ever born at Zoo Atlanta. Their second and third calves, Betty Jean and Lawson, now live at other zoos. Their fourth, Bob, currently lives at Zoo Atlanta.
Cox Media Group
