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Catch A Glimpse of the Eastern Bongo Calf This Weekend
Thursday, January 10, 2013

Matilda and her new daughter have begun exploring their exhibit

 
   
The female eastern bongo calf born to Matilda on December 2, 2012, has begun making appearances with her mother in their outdoor habitat, and weekend visitors may catch a glimpse of the 5-week-old calf as she explores her new surroundings. 

The calf and Matilda are still adjusting to being on exhibit, so the pair currently has the option of choosing whether or not to spend time in their habitat. Lucky guests may be treated to a sighting of Matilda and her much-smaller shadow this Saturday or Sunday.

The calf represents a critically endangered species that could benefit from the high profile of an adorable baby. Eastern bongos are believed to number fewer than 500 in the wild in their native Kenya, where they face serious threats from habitat destruction and poaching for the bushmeat trade.
 
The calf is the first Zoo baby to debut in the new year – a distinction she shares with her older brother, Beauregard, who ironically was also born on December 2 of 2011. Beauregard now resides at the Fort Worth Zoo.