This year, the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) celebrates two decades of unwavering dedication to safeguarding endangered species and their habitats. Among its many achievements stands tall the remarkable success of the Mountain Bongo Antelope recovery and rewilding program.
In 2004, a pivotal moment marked the genesis of this journey when 18 Mountain Bongos were repatriated from zoos across North America to the MKWC in Nanyuki. This heralded the inception of a breeding and rewilding initiative in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Forest Service, supported by the Kenyan Government. The project, fondly known as the Bongo Repatriation Project, aimed to counter the alarming decline of the Mountain Bongo population, which had dwindled to less than 100 individuals scattered across the fragmented landscapes of Mount Kenya and Aberdares.
The journey traces back even further to 1964, when the Government of Kenya, alarmed by the dwindling numbers of Mountain Bongos, entrusted Don Hunt, then Director of Mount Kenya Game Ranch and founder of MKWC, with a mission. His proposal to send Mountain Bongos to American zoos as a form of ‘insurance’ for the species laid the groundwork for future conservation efforts. The subsequent repatriation of 18 Mountain Bongos from the USA in 2004 marked a significant milestone, symbolizing hope for the species’ survival in its natural habitat.
Among the triumphs of MKWC stands the establishment of the Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary in 2022, a sanctuary that embodies the essence of conservation innovation. With the release of 10 Mountain Bongos in its inaugural year and the birth of three calves since, the sanctuary serves as a beacon of success, demonstrating the feasibility of rewilding efforts in Kenya.
The journey has seen the passing of four generations, each contributing to the adaptation and survival of the Mountain Bongo in the wild. Today, MKWC stands as a global beacon of excellence in breeding and rewilding efforts, playing a pivotal role in the realization of the Kenyan Government’s Mountain Bongo National Recovery Action Plan.
Beyond breeding and rewilding, MKWC’s commitment to ecological research and monitoring forms a cornerstone of its conservation ethos. Through strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with the Kenya Space Agency, MKWC leverages advanced technology to enhance wildlife monitoring and habitat conservation, setting new standards in conservation practices.
The Conservancy’s impact extends beyond species conservation to habitat restoration, community education, and fostering partnerships on a global scale. With over 40,000 indigenous trees planted to date, MKWC ensures the restoration of the Mount Kenya montane forest, a vital habitat for the Mountain Bongo and numerous other species.
As MKWC commemorates its 20th anniversary, the journey towards conservation excellence continues. Through events like the annual Trek for the Bongo, scheduled for September 2024, MKWC invites global citizens to join hands in the noble endeavor of safeguarding nature’s treasures.
In the words of Dr. Robert Aruho, Head of Conservancy at MKWC, “MKWC is both a symbol of the inspirational effort of our people and of all that’s left to do.” With determination and collaboration, MKWC remains steadfast in its mission to protect Kenya’s natural heritage and ensure a future where no species teeters on the brink of extinction.
