Far away in the deeper recesses of my mind are the memories of watching animated films in as a kid. Blissful, colorful memories of fairy tales with happy endings and characters who espoused good virtues and deeds. Only at university when I took a semester class in fairytales was it pointed out how incorrect these stories actually are.
Truth be told, the only fairy tale I am thinking of is the Lion King. This noble story about a young male lion journeying through adolescence finding his place in the world whilst battling the embittered hyenas is indeed touching, heart-warming and an animated feast for those who love the African bushveld. It is however, also a pack of lies.
With the selective bias and consistent cases of othering, the Lion King only tells one side of the story. In fact the title itself sums up exactly where the bias lies. But what about the hyenas?
As with all fairy tales and sensationalised stories, reality is found somewhere in between. And after spending yesterday afternoon with a clan of hyenas at their den, my perspective is firmly focused on reality.
The primary hyena den at Londolozi has been active for a few months and is certainly an experience far removed from the conniving, graveyard dwelling scavengers that were portrayed in the Lion King. In fact spending time with this clan turned out to be fascinating, entertaining and really quite touching.
No sooner than our Landrover had crept next to the den, which has been dug into the heart of an enormous termite mound, did a clan these creatures begin to poke their noses, snouts, heads and entire bodies out of the den’s holes. Inquisitive cubs soon lost interest in sniffing the vehicle and busied themselves with chewing sticks, tumbling over each other and harassing any lactating females for milk.
Up until then, the guests in the vehicle could have been forgiven for still choosing to identify with the lions, but then the clan played their trump card. A small, furry black cub popped its head out of the den and with a single look melted the entire vehicle into infatuation. Simba’s cute smile and playful antics stood no chance, this little hyena cub had stolen the show. Just watch this footage filmed at the den.
Although I still watch the occasional Disney movie these days, I try to do so with a balanced opinion. How we wish to see the world and how it really is are often not the same things. The truth becomes obvious when you are able to see the reality of things for yourself and appreciate whatever shape or form this reality takes. Hyenas and Lions may be eternal enemies, played out against one another in countless movies, documentaries and fairy tales, yet they each hold many different sides to their nature. If you don’t believe me then just come and spend some time with the small, furry black cub and see for yourself.
Disney shows fantasy. Londolozi shows the real thing. Which is best? Depends on the age of the viewer in my opinion although I think a child who has some education re wildlife would enjoy the real thing as well as the fantasy. Maybe my feelings are what they are because I was an avid reader as a child and engaged in fantasy with each turn of a page….the same with Disney movies.
Hi Judy, fantasy most certainly has its place in entertainment and escapism and it is a matter of choice as to which is best for the individual. I do believe that occasionally we overlook some of the other characters in the wild because we have been brought up believing them to be the ‘villains’ when they play just as significant role as the heroes. That said, I enjoy Disney movies as well and merely wanted to point out an alternative view point that struck me whilst watching these hyenas and thinking back to how they have been portrayed in the past. Many thanks for your thoughts as always.
Rich
Amazing! I watched a program on hyenas just the other night and it definitely changed my perspective of them and this just stole my heart. Some of my best photos are of hyenas!
Thats great to hear. I must be honest and say that I think hyena cubs are some of the cutest subject matter to photograph out here. Especially the small black furry ones. Glad your perspective has changed, was the documentary you watch called Hyena Queen by Kim Wolhuter?
Loved the footage Richard, the subject matter lit up by late winter afternoon sunshine. Delighted you’re back on site – as for “fantasy” and “real” interesting debate subjects.
Our reality here in nature must be like a fantasy to those based in cities – ever grateful for that reality and you sharing it, reminding us how lucky we are.
Glad you loved the footage Heidi Lee, the late winter afternoon sunshine always adds a huge amount to any animals or scenery. I tend to agree with you as reality in nature is very far removed from the city life and I often wonder if our urban existence is not a fantasy thought up many centuries ago that has now come true. Its a great pleasure sharing it with you. Thanks for your thoughts.
Ah…but nothing cuter than wart hogs…so ugly they’re cute!
We’ll have to wait until late November when the warthogs give birth. I’ll make sure I film so for you and put them up. Very cute animals…when they’re young.
Wow, what awesome footage! This site looks very similar to the wild dog den which we were privileged enough to see at Londolozi a couple of years ago, did they perhaps borrow it?
Hi Nicky, glad you like the footage. There are many hyena dens around Londolozi and there is a possibility it could be an old wild dog den site. These den sites are used by many different animals over time. This is however, not the wild dog den site which we was active in the southern section of Londolozi last year. Hope that helps.
Hi Richard, many thanks for the great footage! Agree with all your comments. It is incorrect perception that has been created of the nature of the hyena that is causing the misunderstanding.
Sheila
Just back from our safari at Londolozi, we are frequentky asked our favorite animal…both my husband and I choose thia hyena den. The pups were so active and engaging with the females. We even saw the little black cub!
I think that the uniqueness of being able to sit and watch the hyenas at ‘home’ in their den makes it a very special experience for many of the guests who spend time their. As you may have gathered from the post, hyenas are often misunderstood, overlooked and not given credit for the remarkable role they play in balancing the wilderness environments in which they exist. Oh, and the cubs are just incredibly cute to watch!