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One of the largest forest antelopes, the shy and reclusive bongo wears a reddish coat with white stripes for camouflage. When startled, the bongo is able to run gracefully at full speed through the thick foliage, ducking under, darting around, or jumping over obstacles in its path.

bongo side view

Did You Know?

Helpful Horns: Both sexes of the bongo display spiraled horns used for defense that grow to an average 2.5 feet.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Tragelaphus eurycerus

Range:
Central Africa

Habitat:
Lowland and montane forest

Height:
3.5 to 4.5 ft

Lifespan:
9 yrs

Zoo Location:
Rhino Reserve

Diet:
Bushes, leaves, grasses, flowers, bark, and roots

Risk Status:
Species at Risk Critically Endangered