Second critically endangered bongo born at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of its second bongo - one of the rarest antelope species - in less than two years.

As few as 75 eastern bongos exist in the wild in their native Kenya, where they are hunted in remote highlands for their horns and meat.

The antelopes, which have large ears to help them hear approaching predators like leopards and hyenas, are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The latest arrival at Dublin Zoo brings the herd there to five.

The calf’s gender has yet to be confirmed because newborns are shy and naturally take cover to protect themselves.

But keepers say the youngster is healthy and being nurtured by its mother Nanyuki.

Helen Clarke-Bennet, from Dublin Zoo, said they are delighted with their new resident.

“The calf has been well-received by its mother, and grandmother Kimba has also taken a shine to the family’s latest addition,” she said.