Christmas has come early with the birth of a rare eastern bongo calf in the early hours of December 1.

The male calf has been named Jabali, which means strong in Swahili. He is the sixth calf for mother Djembe and the second sired by Kulungu.

Keeper Carolene Magner said Jabali was smaller in comparison to Djembe's previous calf but was very alert and moving well.

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The eastern bongo are an antelope species with a red coat and curved horns. Calves are born without horns but begin to grow them at about three months.

"The calf has been spending time of exhibit alongside Djembe and Maisha, another female in the group," Ms Magner said.

"Djembe is a very relaxed mother but is quite protective of her young calf. We are really happy with her maternal behaviours and, being so experienced, we know she will do a great job raising Jabali."

Jabali's father and older brother Kamau are currently separated from the females and newborn calf. They will be introduced back into the herd in about one month when Jabali is stronger and steadier.

Bongo are critically endangered in the wild, making the birth extra special.

"Bongo numbers in the wild are very low with less than 100 individuals remaining. It is important our herd act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts to help raise awareness for their plight and what people can do to help," Ms Magner said.