Meru County has taken center stage in Kenya’s latest wildlife conservation milestone as it becomes the new home for 17 mountain bongos repatriated from Florida, USA.
The rare antelopes, originally native to Kenya but taken away in the 1960s, arrived in the country on Sunday night at 9:10 P.M. before being transported to Meru for quarantine and gradual reintegration into their natural habitat.
The arrival marks a significant step in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to restore its endangered wildlife species, with Meru playing a crucial role in the ambitious plan.
According to wildlife experts, mountain bongos are indigenous to Kenya, and their presence abroad is a direct result of historical translocation.
Their reintroduction to Meru is expected to revive their population which currently stands at fewer than 100 individuals nationwide.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano emphasized that Kenya aims to increase the mountain bongo population to over 700 by 2050, with Meru serving as a key conservation hub.
“This initiative is not only about preserving our wildlife but also creating economic opportunities for communities in Meru and beyond,” said Miano.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Dr. Erastus Kanga revealed that another batch of mountain bongos is expected from Europe within the next three months.
He said that Meru’s conservation efforts would be instrumental in positioning Kenya as a global leader in wildlife preservation and sustainable tourism.
The repatriation follows years of international negotiations and builds on an earlier return of mountain bongos in 2004.
With Meru at the forefront of this conservation effort, the region is set to benefit from increased tourism, biodiversity restoration, and job creation linked to wildlife conservation.
As the mountain bongo population grows, conservationists believe they will become more visible in the wild, restoring a once diminished spectacle for nature lovers and tourists alike.
The return of these iconic animals to Meru underscores Kenya’s commitment to protecting its rich natural heritage while fostering a sustainable future for both wildlife and local communities.
