A critically endangered baby bongo was just born at the Houston Zoo. It’s a rare and beautiful success for a species with fewer than 200 left in the wild. But while the newborn is still bonding with his herd, the zoo plans to ship his big brother Harris overseas this fall—to a zoo in Taiwan.

We support conservation—but not at the cost of emotional well-being. Bongos are social, intelligent animals who depend on their family bonds, especially during early development. Harris has been part of this herd his whole life. And his baby brother needs him now more than ever.

Sending Harris away just as the new calf begins to socialize is heartbreaking—and unnecessary. We urge the Houston Zoo to delay the move until the baby is older and more independent, or to explore other options that keep this family together longer.

Family is survival too. If you believe endangered animals deserve not just protection, but compassion—sign and share. Don’t let this baby bongo lose his brother. Not now.