KLM Royal Dutch Airlines successfully completed a special conservation charter flight transporting four endangered mountain bongos from the Czech Republic to Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the long-term rewilding of the species.
The mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is critically endangered, with an estimated 66 individuals remaining in the wild as of 2025 down from 150 in 2021.
The translocation is intended to strengthen Kenya’s wild population through the introduction of genetically valuable individuals bred in European zoological institutions.
It forms part of a broader conservation strategy aimed at restoring the species in its natural habitat and rebuilding sustainable population levels.
The mission, titled “Return of the Bongos to Kenya,” involved transporting four male mountain bongos, each housed in a custom-built travel stall, from conservation facilities in the Czech Republic to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) in central Kenya.
The Kenyan conservancy has set an ambitious target of establishing a population of 750 fully rewilded bongos by 2050.
The operation was coordinated in close collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service, MKWC, and leading international conservation partners including the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA).
The selected animals were identified by conservation experts based on age, health, and genetic suitability, following more than a decade of coordinated breeding management.
This transfer marks the first time mountain bongos have been returned from European zoological populations to Kenya as part of a structured rewilding programme.
Conservationists view it as a critical step in reversing decades of population decline driven by habitat loss and poaching, despite global progress in captive breeding efforts.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines facilitated the specialist air transport as part of its broader commitment to supporting global biodiversity conservation through safe, expert-led wildlife logistics.
The flight had to be meticulously planned to navigate geopolitical and logistical challenges, alongside regular monitoring for animal welfare standards to ensure safe delivery to Kenya.
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This effort is supported by Air France–KLM Martinair Cargo, the dedicated air cargo business of the Air France–KLM Group. Through the combined strength of its three airlines, the group connects markets, businesses and communities across 295 destinations in 110 countries.
Pier Luigi Vigada, Air France–KLM Martinair Cargo Regional Director for East & Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, said:
“This operation demonstrates what is possible when aviation and conservation work hand in hand. We are proud to support a mission that contributes directly to the survival of one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species.”
KLM has a continuing track record of supporting wildlife conservation logistics to Africa. In 2024, the airline facilitated the transport of two lions and four servals to South Africa. These animals were rescued from circuses and wildlife trafficking networks in France and relocated as part of broader international animal welfare and conservation efforts.
Joris Holtus, Air France-KLM’s General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, said:
“As an airline group, we are vividly aware of the greater purpose that global connectivity serves. That’s why, whenever we receive a call to support conservation initiatives like the transfer of the mountain bongos and lions, we do respond without hesitation.
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