One of the most critically endangered species on the planet has just been born at Chester Zoo and not only is it super rare and cute but it’s also got one of the most charming little names for an animal we’ve ever come across.
Its scientific name is Tragelaphus eurycerusisaaci, but it’s more commonly and affectionately known as a ‘mountain bongo’, and while that name is undeniably amusing, its conservation status is much more serious as there are just 50 left in the wild.
Just the second bongo to have been born at the conservation charity in the last 15 years and with so few only found in one remote area of Kenya, every birth is ‘vitally important’ to the future of the species.
With that in mind, zoo conservationists are working on plans to translocate mountain bongo from zoos in Europe to Africa in a bid to prevent them from becoming completely extinct and that’s where experts like those at Chester Zoo come in. Say hello to Navari.
Our special new arrival is one of the world’s rarest mammals 🦌
Say hello to baby mountain bongo, Navari 🩷 How cute are her big ears!?
Only 50 mountain bongo now remain in a remote area of Kenya. That's why we're part of international efforts to translocate a number of these… pic.twitter.com/1HH5sLzC8m
Quietly welcomed into the world on 31 May, the female calf might only be a dainty deer-looking creature right now but it is actually the world’s largest forest-dwelling antelope.
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With adorable big ears and a striking patterned and camouflaging coat, the bongo is somewhere between an antelope and a red doe crossed with a bit of almost zebra-like striping.
When out in nature as normal, their horns are also used by males for sparing over females and also have to walk with their heads tilted back when moving through forests so they don’t get stuck in branches. They also used these strong horns to uproot plants as well as a long, flexible tongue to reach for food.
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Given that there are so few of Navari and her kind left on the planet, few will have ever seen anything like her (ourselves included), but she is already key to the future of her species’ survival.
Born to parents Nolliag and Moti after a nine-and-a-half-month-long pregnancy, the “precious” young female is already growing fast but like most calves is “very shy and elusive”, according to Chester Zoo’s General Manager of Mammals, Dr Nick Davis.
He goes on to explain that most animals and newborns tend to naturally look to take cover to protect themselves; in this particular bongo’s case, their incredibly large ears don’t just look almost out of proportion with their bodies but are so highly sensitive that they keep them constantly on alert to help them sense and escape ambush predators.
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Navira pictured with Dad. Standing around 1.1 to 1.4m tall at the shoulder, an adult male bongo can weigh over 300kgs Credit: Chester Zoo (supplied)
Nick went on to say: “We’ve learned so much about their biology and behaviours from important births like this one, as well as the daily care we’ve been able to provide to them in zoos. Until recently, they remained poorly studied across their native range but this is thankfully starting to change.”
“We’re now at the forefront of bongo conservation and we’ve already been involved in a number of breakthrough discoveries, such as finding them living in Uganda for the first time. This has laid a foundation for us to integrate conservation efforts by zoos with those in the wild – offering better hope for the future survival of these incredible animals.
The mountain bongo is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and faces serious threats of extinction due to habitat loss, the agriculture industry and hunting for their meat, horns and hides.
Director of Plants and Animals, Mike Jordan, added: “Working alongside the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service, as well as academics in the UK and the zoo community across Europe, plans are now in motion to translocate a number of these wonderful animals from zoos in Europe to Africa.
“We hope they’ll go on to bolster the wild population and help these stunning animals to stage a recovery.” As you can see, the UK’s best zoo and wildlife conservation park continues to do crucial work in protecting rare species like the bongo – and you can be part of those efforts too.
Manchester City to commemorate Sir Howard Bernstein ahead of Arsenal game this weekend
Danny Jones
Manchester City have announced that they will be dedicating their upcoming Premier League fixture to the late, great Sir Howard Bernstein.
The former Manchester City Council chief executive and influential native passed away earlier this year following a “period of illness” at the age of 71.
With tributes flooding in from all over the world of local business, music, sport and more, his passing was described as “a huge loss to all 10 boroughs”.
As a lifelong Blue, the club also joined the region as a whole in paying their respects to the revered local figure – who is credited with helping stabilise Greater Manchester‘s economy and helping usher in the city’s modern era – but now they will be observing a special commemoration this weekend.
Ahead of this Sunday's fixture against Arsenal, the Club will commemorate our Honorary President, Sir Howard Bernstein (1953-2024)
As detailed in a statement on the club site, City wrote: “During this tenure [on the City Council], the city of Manchester enjoyed an incredible resurgence both economically and culturally following the decline of former manufacturing industries.
“One of his greatest achievements as Chief Executive was bringing the enormously successful Commonwealth Games to Manchester in 2002, using sports-led regeneration to breathe new life into Manchester, which in doing so, paved the way for Manchester City’s move to the then City of Manchester Stadium (now known as the Etihad Stadium), from Maine Road.
“Before kick-off, a dedication to Sir Howard’s life will be read, followed by a minute’s applause, providing our players and fans with an opportunity to pay their respects to a lifelong Man City fan who dedicated his life to the city of Manchester.”
As is often custom with gestures of remembrance, City players and manager Pep Guardiola will also be wearing black armbands for the duration of the match.
Bernstein was knighted back in 2003, and deputy lieutenant for Greater Manchester by 2017, his list of recognitions is almost as long as his contributions to the county.
Even once he retired from the Council after more than 40 years of unwavering service, he still fulfilled key roles for Manchester-based organisations. He was even made an honorary president of both Man City and Lancashire Cricket Club – the lattermost title he held for a decade.
If the word legend truly does get thrown around too much, this is one of the cases where it doesn’t even come close to summing up the impact the loyal local servant had on the home he loved so much.
The Blues kick-off against title-rivals Arsenal at 4:30pm on Sunday, 22 September and when his name and image come up on the big screen at the Etihad, the supporters are sure to be in full voice.
Meanwhile, in-house, club captain Rodri is one of several professional footballers once again calling for a review of the increasingly congested fixture list as concerns are once again being raised over the number of games players are expected to play per season.
Official fundraiser set up to create a mural in memory of late The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke
Danny Jones
A fundraiser has finally been set up to create a lasting mural in memory of The Smiths’ late bassist Andy Rourke in Manchester city centre.
Plans were first floated by bandmate Mike Joyce earlier this year following Rourke’s death in May 2023 and with an official charity page now set up, The Smiths drummer has unveiled the plans to create the massive mural in collaboration with local street artist Akse P19.
Manc graffiti and portrait specialist Akse is already famously known for creating the now-restored Ian Curtis mural plastered on the side of the Star and Garter and soon the Joy Division legend will have a new neighbour not too far away in the Northern Quarter.
Set to take pride of place on the recently refurbished Wheatsheaf pub on Oak Street – just behind another much-loved boozer and small gig venue, Gullivers – the mural will be entirely crowdfunded and also raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action charity.
Joyce said in a statement: “Thanks to this Crowdfunder, fans of Andy and The Smiths can contribute to a permanent memorial in his and the band’s hometown of Manchester, but also increase awareness of this debilitating disease and raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action.”
“The mural will not only serve as a permanent tribute to Andy’s legacy as a brilliant musician but also as a memory of the funniest, sweetest lad I had the pleasure of knowing. Many thanks, Mike.”
The Andy Rourke mural will be based on an image of The Smiths bass player by photographer Nalinee Darmrong, who has given the project her full blessing. The iconic snap was taken at Caird Hall in Dundee during the band’s 1985.1985/1986 UK/USA tour.
Speaking in a separate post on his own social media, PR for Akse and others contributing to the project added: “Delighted to finally share that after many months of planning, there is an official CrowdFunder running now…
“Your donations will go directly towards the creation of this artwork. We are offering limited editions of 100 x A4 prints for people who pledge £50 and 30 x A3 prints for people who pledge £100.”
Signed by both the artist and Joyce, these funds will also go directly towards the organisation that funds both treatment and research for the condition that Rourke suffered a long battle with before passing away aged just 59.
As the fundraiser reads: “As part of the legendary Mancunian foursome, Rourke created a soundscape which changed the course of music for not just a generation, but for popular culture the world over.
“Andy’s unique style, combining funk rhythms and driving urgency, form the very aural framework for The Smiths’ songbook. His self-effacing sense of humour and laid-back personality often belayed the indisputable impact of his creative genius.
“Why a mural? With fans the world over often revealing that The Smiths played a significant role in their lives, it seems appropriate that Rourke’s legacy be celebrated in a creative way in his home city of Manchester, which can be viewed for decades to come.”
Set to be unveiled in November, the mural is just the latest testament to a Manc music legend in this city that has been graced by so many over the decades. The fundraiser has already amassed over £11,300 in donations but you can still donate or buy your own special print HERE.
Danny Jones -
19th September 2024 
