Conservation Team Rescues Endangered Antelopes from Grounded Plane

Eight critically endangered mountain bongo antelopes were saved after their flight from Florida to Kenya was canceled.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

When an international flight carrying eight critically endangered mountain bongo antelopes encountered a mechanical issue and was forced to return to the gate at Palm Beach International Airport, a dedicated conservation team from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida sprang into action to rescue the animals before they were left without ventilation on the grounded plane.

Why it matters

Mountain bongos are a critically endangered species, with only a few hundred remaining in the wild. The successful transport of these eight Florida-born bongos to a new sanctuary in Kenya is a crucial part of a long-term recovery effort for the species in its native habitat.

The details

The eight crated and tranquilized bongos - five females and three males - were born and raised at the RSCF under the care of director Paul Reillo and operations director Matt Morris. When the flight was canceled due to a mechanical issue, Reillo mobilized a rescue team to transport the animals back to the RSCF facility before they were left without ventilation on the grounded plane.

  • The flight was taxiing for departure the night before at Palm Beach International Airport when the issue occurred.
  • After four hours of diagnostics, the flight was canceled around midnight.
  • At first light, Reillo and the driver arrived at the disabled aircraft to rescue the animals.

The players

Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF)

A Florida-based conservation organization that is leading the recovery effort for the critically endangered mountain bongo antelope.

Paul Reillo

The director of the RSCF and a research professor at Florida International University who oversees the bongo conservation program.

Matt Morris

The operations director at RSCF and an FIU alumnus who was on board the flight with the bongos.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Transporting the endangered bongo antelopes from Florida to Kenya requires months of preparation, precisely timed tranquilization and supportive care, and strict adherence to schedules. The carefully choreographed journey from Florida to a new bongo sanctuary on Mt. Kenya takes at least 30 hours. Any significant delay or flight cancellation becomes a matter of life or death for the animals.”

— Paul Reillo, Director, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (Mirage News)

What’s next

The eight bongos were successfully transported back to the RSCF facility in Loxahatchee, Florida, where they will remain under the care of Reillo and his team until their flight to Kenya can be rescheduled.

The takeaway

This rescue operation highlights the critical importance of careful planning and coordination in the conservation efforts for endangered species like the mountain bongo. The quick action of the RSCF team likely saved the lives of these eight rare antelopes, demonstrating the dedication and expertise required to protect vulnerable wildlife populations.