TAMPA, Fla. ( BLOOM ) — ZooTampa at Lowry Park is starting the year on a high note with the arrival of a special bundle of joy! On January 24, Blitzen, a nine-year-old Eastern bongo, gave birth to a healthy female calf named Millie, weighing in at over 22 pounds.
ZooTampa welcomes first baby of 2024
This marks the Zoo’s first animal birth of 2025 and only the second Eastern bongo birth since 2021. Millie is already stealing hearts with her stunning chestnut coat, delicate white stripes, and oversized ears—a perfect miniature version of her majestic parents, Blitzen and Marvin.
The birth is part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), an initiative led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to protect endangered species. Millie joins a family of five bongos at ZooTampa, including her five-year-old first-time dad Marvin and fellow female bongos, Lottie and Binti.
“Bongos are critically endangered, so every birth is incredibly special,” said Tiffany Burns, Senior Director of Animal Programs. “This birth represents an important step in our ongoing efforts to help ensure the survival of this beautiful species.”
Eastern bongos, known as the largest species of forest-dwelling antelope, are native to the mountain forests of East Africa. With their striking appearance and ability to blend into dense forest landscapes, bongos are both beautiful and elusive. However, habitat loss and historical overhunting have left their wild populations critically endangered.
Review: Ocean Prime Tampa lives up to the hype
Millie’s arrival underscores the importance of conservation efforts. Her playful curiosity and wide-eyed wonder are sure to charm visitors while shining a spotlight on the urgent need to protect her species…