John Ball Zoo Welcomes Critically Endangered Bongo Calf 'Chestnut'

I love taking my son to the John Ball Zoo in the afternoons because he loves seeing all of the animals, and now I can't wait for him to meet the latest addition to their family. The zoo has announced the birth of a female eastern mountain bongo, a critically endangered species and one of the largest forest antelopes.

Courtesy of the John Ball Zoo

The newborn calf, named Chestnut, was born on July 23 to proud parents Carrot and Beckson. This marks the couple’s second calf, following the birth of their first, a male named Sprout, last year.

Chestnut is currently being cared for by her mother, Carrot, behind the scenes, but visitors will soon be able to catch a glimpse of both in their outdoor habitat next week. The zoo is thrilled about this new arrival and the positive impact it has on bongo conservation efforts.

Courtesy of John Ball Zoo

“We're incredibly excited to welcome our newest addition at John Ball Zoo, a healthy female bongo calf,” said Tim Sampson, curator at John Ball Zoo. “The birth of a critically endangered species is a significant milestone in the conservation of this amazing species. We are happy to report that both mom and baby are doing well.”

Carrot and Beckson were paired through the Species Survival Plan Program, a collaborative effort by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to ensure genetic diversity and manage the sustainability of endangered species. John Ball Zoo has been an active participant in this program for over a decade, contributing several bongo offspring to zoos around the country.

The eastern mountain bongo, native to the forested mountains of Kenya, faces threats from poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal trapping. The birth of Chestnut is a hopeful sign for the future of this species.

Chestnut’s arrival comes on the heels of other recent births at John Ball Zoo, including a snow leopard cub, three lynx kits, and three penguin chicks, all contributing to the zoo's ongoing mission of wildlife conservation. Be sure to visit the zoo next week to see Chestnut and her family and celebrate this wonderful addition to the John Ball Zoo family!