Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy And Chester Zoo Join Forces To Conserve The Critically Endangered Mountain Bongo

• Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Chester Zoo have formalized a partnership to boost the conservation of the critically endangered Mountain Bongo antelope and its habitat.
• The collaboration focuses on analysis, capability switch and conservation training.
• The settlement will see each organisations leverage experience and expertise to help biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Chester Zoo are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance efforts in conserving the critically endangered Mountain Bongo. This collaboration stems from shared aspirations and objective to forestall extinction of wildlife.

Underneath this partnership, MKWC and Chester Zoo will give attention to monitoring, analysis and information switch and different essential areas to safe the way forward for the Mountain Bongo. This collaboration features a complete strategy to analysis and monitoring of untamed populations with the appliance of progressive real-time AI expertise, developed by companions, ConservationAI at Liverpool John Moores College. The initiative additionally seeks to boost conservation training and capacity-building by way of employees exchanges and information switch. By combining Chester Zoo’s international management in conservation and MKWC’s native experience, the initiative seeks to bolster the survival of the Mountain Bongo each in human care and within the wild.

Talking on the importance of the partnership and its potential impression on the MKWC breeding and rewilding program, Government Patron of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC), Humphrey Kariuki stated:

“This partnership represents a major milestone in our conservation efforts. The Mountain Bongo just isn’t solely an emblem of Kenya’s wealthy biodiversity but additionally a species whose survival hinges on collaborations which combine international experience with native dedication for the larger good. This engagement will improve analysis capabilities, leveraging and testing of latest applied sciences for the breeding and rewilding of the Mountain Bongo, to make sure the long-term survival of this iconic species within the wild.”

Chief Government Officer of Chester Zoo, Jamie Christon, highlighted the significance of this MOU within the preservation of critically endangered species and emphasised the significance of collaboration within the conservation of the Mountain Bongo. He stated,

“Conservation is aware of no borders, and the signing of this partnership at the moment offers us with a platform to unite behind a shared objective. By uniting our sources and experience we will make a distinction for a species getting ready to extinction. It’s our hope that this partnership is a powerful strategic step for the conservation of the mountain bongo that may function a world mannequin for safeguarding different endangered species sooner or later.”

Prof. Erastus Kanga, Kenya Wildlife Providers Director Basic who attended the signing ceremony added:

“The KWS Strategic Plan 2024-2028 displays our dedication to fostering thriving wildlife populations by enhancing species restoration applications and enhancing wildlife well being. Our partnership with Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Chester Zoo marks an important step in advancing conservation by way of expertise, analysis and capability constructing. Over time, MKWC has performed a pivotal function within the restoration technique for the critically endangered Bongo. With progressive instruments similar to AI-driven habitat monitoring and cutting-edge rewilding analysis, we’re optimistic about accelerating the reintroduction of this iconic species into the wild. Collectively, we’re shaping a future the place conservation efforts end result into Thriving wildlife and wholesome habitats for all, endlessly.”