Recent visitors to the Hattiesburg Zoo may have noticed that Klaus, an Eastern Bongo who resides on the African Veldt doesn’t have matching horns. Klaus recently underwent a procedure to repair his damaged left horn after keepers noted it had cracked. The animal care team was concerned that the crack could grow and cause possible permanent damage to Klaus.
Dr. Julia MacGregor, veterinarian and other members of the animal care team devised a treatment plan to address the crack, which involved removing the damaged portion of the horn, sealing it with a two-part epoxy putty, reinforcing the putty with a fiberglass tape, applying a second layer of two-part epoxy and finished by wrapping the horn with vet wrap for extra support. Klaus was sedated throughout the procedure.
“Our team worked together seamlessly to devise a plan that was implemented methodically so that Klaus was under anesthesia for the shortest amount of time possible, which is in the best interest of his health,” said Dr. MacGregor. “Klaus’ horns may not be a perfect match, but he is no worse for the ware.”
“This type of injury can and does happen in the wild,” said Stephen Taylor, Animal Curator for the Hattiesburg Zoo. “Klaus is fortunate because we can stop further injury to the horn by implementing this planned intervention.”
“Klaus is exhibiting normal signs of daily habits and interactions with the other animals on the Veldt, which is a good sign,” said Chelsey Jones, Klaus’ primary animal keeper.
Klaus is three years old and came to the Hattiesburg Zoo from the Montgomery Zoo two years ago. Bongos typically live to be around 20 years of age under human care. The Hattiesburg has three resident bongos Klaus, Ralph and Ghost.
Fun facts:
Bongos have horns and not antlers, so they are not 'shed' like deer.
Both male and female Bongos have horns.
Bongo horns can grow up to three feet.
Eastern Bongos are critically endangered.
