One afternoon while exploring the northern parts of Londolozi, we decided to try our luck with the newly active hyena den. It can be a hit and miss as the cubs only really come out of the den when an adult is around, which is usually early morning and late afternoon. As we approached the den, fairly slowly, to try and not frighten the small inhabitants, we briefly saw a cub quickly scurry away into the den’s opening. We knew we were in luck.
Soon after we turned off the vehicle and all the excitement died down, what we initially thought was just three cubs, one by one, turned into six. We then spent the next 30 minutes or so watching these curious little creatures, and here are some of the pictures:
A mother hyena will come back to the den early morning and late afternoon to nurse her cubs. While we were there, this cub didn’t once pop its head up while nursing from its mother, even with the noise of the vehicle. Just goes to show the hyenas love for a meal starts at a young age.
Hyenas use old dugout termite mounds as a den. At any sign of danger, the cubs are quick to dash into the den and will remain there until they are certain the danger is gone, this is often only when an adult is around.
Two cubs sitting at the entrance to the den
For a while we thought there were only five cubs, until a tiny black head of a younger cub popped out of the den, only to quickly pop back in again. Eventually, its curiosity got the best of it and it emerged from its hiding spot.
Most of the cubs looked similar in age and were probably around three months old. They are born black and it is only at about three months that their spots start to show.
The scene for most of the afternoon, with one mother nursing her cub while the others, most likely belonging to other females of the clan, explore their surroundings.
Hyenas are naturally curious animals, and we start to see this from a young age as they often approach the vehicle to get a closer look.
As we were driving around the mound to leave, four of the cubs came out to watch us.
I often find that many people have a preconceived idea about hyenas. They are in many minds associated with death and their menacing behaviour may come across as cowardly, or even their call can come across as evil laughter. It is very seldom that after leaving a hyena den such as this that guests still feel that way, as I think seeing the start of the life of a hyena is just as special and remarkable as any of the other predators we may see here at Londolozi.
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Hi Tayla that is so gorgeous to see these little cubs emerging from the den. Now we know there are 6 cubs in total. Very curious little cubs and Mom looks at ease while letting them drink.
Beautiful pictures of the gorgeous cubs Tayla thank you. Especially love the onw of the four little guys curiously watching your vehicle leave. How right you are that watching the little cubs completely changed my perspective of hyenas !
Beautiful photos of these cute cubs. Grown hyenas indeed do look a bit sneaky I think, though they are really very interesting animals and absolutely necessary for the ecology. However, the young ones are so cute and curious. One has to like them.
Hyenas are special critters. Once one has observed how well female hyenas take care of their clan one has a better appreciation of the species.
One definitely gets a sense of family around a hyena’s den,
Tayla, thanks for this update on the hyena cubs. It will be fascinating to see them grow.
Hi Tayla
It’s so much fun to watch hyena pups as they’re so much like watching domestic puppies – except for the den. Until I saw a clan with pups, like most people, I had a very negative view of
this scavenger. However, once I saw the interaction between the mum and her pups, an understanding grew about this species. I still don’t like seeing them steal kills, but I understand it’s all part of survival and contributing to the ecosystem.
Hollywood has turned hyenas into villains, unfortunately. They’re actually pretty fascinating not to mention pretty adorable as youngsters!
I just love hyenas! I think they have soulful eyes. The little ones are so cute and curious and they love to bite tires! The way the bob their head up and down while looking at something is so precious. Thanks for spending some time with them and sharing your photos!
Hi Tayla! Are these hyenas part of what you all call the Northern Clan? I’m trying to get an idea of the hyena dynamics on Londolozi so have a few questions about them if that’s alright?
Where is this den located on Londolozi (particularly as it relates to the northern boundary) and how many known dens does Londolozi have?
How many members make up the individual clans you all see on Londolozi?
Sorry for all the questions, but am an admin of a Facebook group that follows hyenas in the Sabi Sands and so am trying to understand more the individual aspects of the clans
They really are cute! Looking at the little one really up close and personal, one can see the little curled edges, like a smile. Does this facial structure stay with them throughout life and does it serve a purpose for eating?
Also, the Hyena’s clan structure is obviously different from the Wild Dog’s pack structure. How many female Hyenas can have babies at the same time?
Lovely! Any baby is lovely to see, but the hyena babies with their colour change is quite interesting.
Great photos Tayla! After following the hyena families through these postings over the last year, I have really come to much better understanding and appreciation for them. And the cubs are so cute! Thank you.
Terrific capture of these hyena cubs!
So true Tayla that any creature that is a cub/pup/chick or other is just too adorable to not spend time with. It’s sad that we all carry these misconceptions through their behavior to label them as evil, dangerous and/or whatever. Everything on this earth has a purpose and we could do well to listen and learn from them all as we are perhaps the worst offenders of all. Beautiful photos 💕Thanks for sharing Tayla
Good you were able to see some activity at the den Tayla. The cubs really are so cute – love the big ears. Thanks for sharing. The pics are nice also.
Sitting at a hyena den is a ton of fun! Recently in the Serengeti we were able to witness a new mother bringing her tiny black-bear cub back to a communal den over a distance of likely 2-3 km! She was running and trotting with this tiny thing in her mouth until she arrived at the communal den, and 5-6 other little heads popped out in curiosity to see the new arrival! There was quite the greeting ceremony and much interest in the littlest new hyena cub to be incorporated into the clan den!