Bongos are a species of antelope that are native to the dense tropical rainforests of west-central Africa and the Congo Basin.

Jester, so-named by keepers because he was born on April 1, came into the world when no one was looking.

"He was born in the early morning, sometime between 6 and 7:30," said zookeeper Amanda Faliano. "Our night keepers checked on them about 6... and we found him at 7:30... it was awesome."

Faliano told 9NEWS that Jester was probably up and standing within a few minutes of birth, and began nursing right away - just as a newborn would in the wild.

This little guy is getting along great with the other members of the exhibit. He's under the watchful eye of his mom, 11-year-old Megan and his dad, 10-year-old Otto.

African Bongos have a unique coloring which helps to keep them safe in the jungle.

"They are mostly red with those white stripes to kind of blend in with the bark and everything on the trees," Faliano said. "They are difficult to see when you are out in the wild... so predators can't really see them."