NAIROBI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Tuesday repatriated four mountain bongos, a critically endangered antelope, from European zoological institutions, as part of the country's conservation efforts.
The mountain bongos, a national treasure and symbol of Kenya's rich biodiversity, were returned from global ex-situ conservation programs.
Musalia Mudavadi, prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs, said the move comes as fewer than 100 individuals remain in the wild, underscoring the urgency of recovery efforts.
The moment demonstrates Kenya's commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage through science-driven, partnership-led conservation, Mudavadi said, adding that each animal returned strengthens the National Recovery and Action Plan for the Mountain Bongo and reinforces the broader strategy for recovering endangered species.
"The breeding and rewilding program at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) provides a model for future species recovery efforts, showing how coordinated action can deliver measurable outcomes," he added.
"Conservation today requires unity of purpose across borders, institutions, and communities," Mudavadi said, emphasizing that species recovery is not an isolated effort but a strategic national priority, and that it relates to environmental security, the tourism economy, and intergenerational responsibility.
Officials said the four male mountain bongos will help expand breeding capacity, strengthen genetic diversity, and support rewilding efforts across their historic range.
MKWC Patron Humphrey Kariuki said the arrival will boost breeding efforts.
"These four male bongos will reinforce the existing population and enhance breeding capacity, providing an opportunity to expand breeding herds and bringing us closer to a future where the mountain bongo once again thrives in the wild," Kariuki added.
The mountain bongo, found only in Kenya, is listed as critically endangered, with only a few individuals estimated to remain in the wild. ■