Cuteness Alert: ZooTampa Welcomes Critically Endangered Eastern Bongo Calf

ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced the birth of a critically endangered Eastern bongo calf on Jan. 14. This marks the first animal birth at the zoo in 2026. The female calf weighed 38 pounds at birth and stands about two feet tall.

Mother and baby are thriving. The mother, four-year-old Binti, was born at the zoo in 2021. The father, six-year-old Marvin, arrived from Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in 2023.

The pair were matched as part of the Eastern Bongo Species Survival Plan. This program connects Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions to protect endangered species.

"We're thrilled to welcome another healthy bongo calf into our herd," said Chris Massaro, the senior vice president and chief zoological officer with ZooTampa, according to Fox 13 News. "I'm incredibly proud of our animal care team and the exceptional care they provide to all of our animals every single day."

This birth marks the fourth Eastern bongo calf born at the zoo since 2021. The herd now includes males Marvin and Mac. Females include Blitzen, Lottie, Binti, Millie, Mira, and the new calf.

Bongos are the largest species of antelope living in forests. They have shiny chestnut coats with vertical white stripes. Large ears and spiraled horns distinguish them. They can weigh up to 900 pounds.

Fewer than 100 Eastern bongos exist in the wild. Poaching and habitat loss have devastated their numbers, pushing the species toward extinction.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums manages breeding programs to help save threatened animals. These programs pair animals from different facilities, which helps maintain genetic diversity and gives species a fighting chance at survival.