OUR MISSION - PROTECT WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES
RSCF is a hands-on organization willing to take risks that many larger organizations do not. We recognize that space for wildlife is diminishing and nature is in crisis. Our job is to develop and implement effective, real-time solutions to complex problems affecting global biodiversity, resource management, species extinction, illegal wildlife trade, and human/wildlife conflicts.
PRESS STATEMENT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 Mountain Bongo Arrive in Kenya, Marking a Historic Milestone for Conservation
March 26th, 2025, | Nairobi, Kenya
On Sunday February 23rd, 17 mountain bongos were safely repatriated from Loxahatchee, Florida to a specially designed sanctuary on the northeastern slope of Mt Kenya. The bongos’ arrival significantly advances Kenya’s long-term recovery of this iconic and critically endangered flagship species. Driven by a multi-stakeholder partnership, this repatriation and recovery project leverages resources and expertise at many levels, engaging local, national and international partners. The new bongo sanctuary is managed by the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust (MBRCT), Kenya’s first-ever, conservation-related, public-private-community partnership.
The repatriated bongos were donated to the government of Kenya by the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida, USA, which has researched, bred and managed mountain bongos since 1991. The complex shipment was achieved through close collaboration between RSCF, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Tusk Trust, DHL and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Dr. Paul Reillo, RSCF Founder and President, commented: “There is simply no higher calling for humanity than to protect what remains of nature. The mountain bongo’s story of decline and recovery has been entirely on our watch, and the species’ future depends on all of us. The bongo’s resilience is a story of hope for wildlife and people alike, merging elevated partnerships, proven expertise, vital resources and amazing courage. This humbling, profound project exemplifies true wildlife conservation in real time.”
Bongo pre-shipment corrals at RSCF
Bongo settling in at the new sanctuary
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HOW WE WORK
WHAT WE DO
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Our team is diverse, talented and focused. Our conservation programs span decades. We understand that we must act now, while actions can have lasting impact. For many species facing extinction, the ultimate goal is recovery, even as the first step may in fact be rescue.
Whether in the wild or in captivity, species on the edge deserve our very best efforts. Our motto is our promise: whatever it takes for as long as it takes.
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Design sustainable breeding, recovery, reintroduction, and protection programs for species at risk of extinction.
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Collaborate with governments, NGOs, and like-minded organizations to restore target species, fight wildlife trade, and protect critical habitat.
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Provide consulting and technical services to international conservation teams
Together, we must come to recognize that global conservation protects humanity and wildlife alike.
Maintaining healthy wildlife populations, recovering endangered species, and restoring impaired ecosystems all require significant funding. Programs that span decades require public support that lasts.
With your help we promise to speak for the vast biomass on our planet that has no voice in human affairs, and to secure a future for species in peril.
WHERE WE WORK
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
COMBATING ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE
PARROTS IN CRISIS
