I LIVE IN AFRICA
Spotted hyenas are most often found in sub-Saharan Africa, more specifically in the Serengeti plains and in areas of Tanzania.
I AM A CARNIVORE
Hyenas will prey on small mammals, birds, lizards, snakes and insects, but they will also hunt larger hoofed animals such as wildebeest or antelope. This species are also known to be scavengers and will often feed on things left behind by other predators.
HYENAS ARE SOCIAL
Spotted hyenas live in groups of up to 80 individuals called clans. Hyenas are a unique species in that the females in their group have a higher social ranking than the males.
WHAT’S SO FUNNY?
Hyenas are well-known for their sounds of “laughter” that can be heard for miles around. They also communicate using different pitched calls and howls, all to alert other member of their clan of a food source nearby.
HELPING THE SPOTTED HYENA IN THE WILD
The spotted hyenas at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo are enrolled in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP is a program implemented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help ensure a genetically viable population exists.
I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM
As scavengers, hyenas play a very important role of keeping their habitat clean of animals remains that may pose a threat to the health of other animals in their habitat.