Virginia Zoo welcomes A.J. the bongo

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The Virginia Zoo's newest resident, a 2-year-old bongo, is officially receiving visitors after 30 days in quarantine.

According to Winfield Danielson with the Virginia Zoo, "A.J." was brought to Norfolk from Jacksonville, Fla. in an effort to maintain the zoo's bongo breeding program. 

"We're very excited about A.J.," Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo Greg Bockheim said. "The Virginia Zoo has had a successful bongo breeding program and we hope A.J. will help us maintain that tradition."

Danielson said the zoo has contributed to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Special Survival Plan by sending a captive-born calf to Africa nine years ago. 

Bongos are the heaviest kind of antelope, standing more than 50 inches tall and weighing between 450 and 550 pounds.