Endangered Kenyan antelopes rescued after being stranded at Palm Beach airport
Phys.org
February 21, 2026
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Paul Reillo, who has dedicated his life to caring for endangered mountain bongo antelopes since their birth, sprang into action when he learned that a group of these rare animals was stranded at Palm Beach International Airport. The antelopes, part of a larger conservation effort to reintroduce them into their native habitat in Kenya, were left sitting on a cargo plane’s tarmac due to logistical delays. Reillo, founder of the nonprofit Center for Conservation and Research, took matters into his own hands to ensure their safe journey home.
The stranded antelopes, which included 18 individuals from a critically endangered species, had been transported from Kenya to the United States as part of a collaborative effort between conservationists in both countries. However, when the cargo plane carrying them arrived at Palm Beach Airport, it was discovered that the crates holding the animals lacked proper ventilation and would not meet safety standards for their transatlantic flight back to Kenya. This unexpected delay put the antelopes’ health and well-being at risk, as they were confined in cramped conditions without access to adequate food, water, or fresh air.
Reillo’s intervention was crucial in ensuring the survival of these animals, which are a vital part of Kenya’s ecosystem and a key focus for global conservation efforts. By working with airport officials, wildlife experts, and logistics teams, Reillo was able to
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/21/2026