Oregon Zoo Welcomes Rare Bongo Antelope Pair

Banjo and Bentley, two bongo antelope, have arrived from San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Oregon Zoo has welcomed two rare bongo antelope, Banjo and Bentley, who have been transferred from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The two male bongos are now exploring their new habitat at the zoo in Portland.

Why it matters

Bongo antelope are an endangered species, with only a few thousand remaining in the wild. The arrival of Banjo and Bentley at the Oregon Zoo helps raise awareness and support conservation efforts for this unique African species.

The details

Banjo and Bentley are two male bongo antelope, a large forest-dwelling species known for their distinctive spiral-shaped horns and reddish-brown coats with white stripes. The two were previously housed at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park before being transferred to the Oregon Zoo to join their exhibit.

  • The bongos arrived at the Oregon Zoo on February 25, 2026.

The players

Oregon Zoo

A zoo located in Portland, Oregon that is home to a variety of animal species and participates in conservation efforts.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

A large zoo and safari park located in Escondido, California that houses a variety of exotic animal species.

Banjo

One of the two male bongo antelope that was transferred from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to the Oregon Zoo.

Bentley

One of the two male bongo antelope that was transferred from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to the Oregon Zoo.

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What’s next

The Oregon Zoo plans to hold a special event to introduce Banjo and Bentley to the public in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The arrival of the rare bongo antelope pair at the Oregon Zoo highlights the important role zoos play in conservation efforts for endangered species like the bongo.