Explore

Bongo at Knowsley Safari

Tragelaphus euryceros isaaci

Category: Ungulates

Location: Safari Drive

About Bongo

Bongo are the biggest forest antelope. There are 91 types of antelope in the world and most species are native to Africa.

It is estimated that the current population of bongo around the world is 560, including those in the wild and those in zoos. In the wild, bongo live in eastern, western and central Africa in forests, tropical jungles and dense undergrowth.

Bongo live in small groups of 6-8 which is mostly made up of females and their calves with one dominant male. However, males tend to spend most of their time on their own. The biggest threats to bongo are humans and this includes hunting and deforestation.

See our herd of bongo on the Safari Drive.

Name: Bongo

Location: Central African tropical jungles

Population: Difficult to say as they are solitary animals but estimated at around 560 in the wild and in conservation

Status: Near Threatened

Threats: Humans, deforestation, hunting

Fun facts about Bongo

Although they have fierce-looking horns, bongos are typically timid animals and easily scared. They move away quickly if they are frightened and turn their backs to whatever has scared them and keep checking to see if it is safe. So, whether you are preparing for a visit to the safari or you just want to learn more about these stunning antelope, we’ve got some fun bongo facts for you:

Bongo are a nocturnal forest antelope found in tropical jungles of Africa
They are one of the largest species of antelope
Both male and female bongo have horns which spiral slightly
They have a long prehensile tongue for grasping vegetation

Bongo facts - Your questions answered!

As the largest forest-dwelling species of antelope, bongos typically live in jungles, forests and dense undergrowth.

Bongos come from eastern, western and central Africa.

Unfortunately, bongos are near threatened and their population is decreasing. However, there are many breeding programmes in zoos around the world to help conserve this wonderful species.

Bongos can grow to up to 1.3m tall and 3.15m long. Female bongos can weigh up to 235kg when fully grown and males can weigh as much as 405k

Bongos are herbivores so they only eat plants and grass. They feed on seeds, cereal, grass, roots, bark, fruits, bushes and vines.

Bongos are mammals. They are a species of antelope and are the largest forest-antelope in the world.

Bongos have a chestnut coloured coat with yellow and whitish looking stripes and black markings. They have large spiralled horns from the top of their head which slope slightly over their backs.