CONSERVATION SCIENCE
Bongo Ecological Study

Busch Gardens continues support of the Bongo Antelope Field Study directed by Paul Elkan in the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in Africa’s northern Congo. Nouabale-Ndoki, one of the least disturbed forests remaining in tropical Africa, offers a wealth of research opportunities on dozens of species. Among the most critical of those species is the bongo, which was only discovered by modern biologists in the 1950s. In the 40 years since this fascinating species’ discovery, researchers have raced against time collecting data to better understand its biology and habitat needs.
Busch Gardens’ zoo keepers contribute to the study by monitoring the park’s herd and sharing data with field scientists in Africa via the Internet. Long-term observations by Busch Gardens’ zoo keepers significantly contributed to the design of a chart used to forecast the age and weight of this species based on the length and twists of their horns and size and shape of their bodies. Project Director Paul Elkin recently visited Busch Gardens to assist zoo keepers in conducting infrared tests to better observe this elusive species at night. Busch Gardens is in the process of designing a program to send a zoo keeper working with the park’s herd to Africa to participate in the Nouabale-Ndoki field study.