Eastern bongo
Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci
Eastern bongos are African forest antelopes.
Their red, stripy coats act as excellent camouflage from predators when hiding amongst the forest trees. Unlike most antelopes, both male and female bongos have long spiralling horns. The shape of the bongos’ horns matches the contour of their backs. The antelope can tilt the horns back and can run through the dense forest with no obstructions.
Eastern bongos are critically endangered and it is estimated that there are as few as 200 left in the wild. The Eastern bongo measures up to 250 centimetres (cm) in length and 130cm at the shoulder. They can weigh up to 405 kilograms.
We have had great success at breeding this species and many of Belfast Zoo’s bongo offspring have moved to zoos around the world, as part of the collaborative breeding programme.
IUCN Status
The IUCN status of the Eastern bongo is critically endangered.
For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org (link opens in new window).
Fun fact
Eastern bongos are the largest forest antelope