Denver Zoo Announces Bongo Birth, Welcomes Female Calf

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance announced the birth of a female bongo on May 3, a new arrival for parents Howard and Fern. The calf is healthy and bonding with her mother. Zoo officials said the newborn does not yet have a name.

Howard and Fern

The calf is the latest addition for Howard and Fern, who also welcomed a female calf in July 2025 and a calf named Fiddle in January 2023. The zoo said the pair’s growing group adds to a herd that has already produced multiple calves in recent years.

Eastern Bongo Status

Eastern bongos are Critically Endangered and live only in the mountain forests of central Kenya. Hunting and habitat loss have pushed the species toward extinction, and the zoo said: "Because Eastern bongos are Critically Endangered, every birth is an important step for the future of the species, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this special arrival,"

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

The zoo described the calf as part of a baby boom at the City Park zoo and encouraged the community to stop by and meet the bongos and their newborn. The newborn’s name will be one of the first details visitors learn once the zoo shares it.