Hyenas have always been portrayed in a negative light, as villains in popular media, and have attracted a lot of bad publicity. Still, in reality, they are spectacular animals with a number of unique adaptations. They are highly intelligent and social animals, living in large clans that are led by a dominant female. Despite their reputation, hyenas are actually quite cute, especially when they are young cubs. These fluffy, playful creatures can melt even the hardest of hearts, and it is through the cuteness of their young that we are able to slowly change people’s perceptions about hyenas.
This week’s virtual safari sees us spending some time at the local hyena den as we enjoy two different litters of cute hyena cubs.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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Beautiful video, Sean. The little hyenas are really cute.
Nice to know that there are so often hyena cubs at Londolozi.
Thank you, thank you, Sean! I love hyenas! They are very cute, funny, and intelligent! They all have their own personallity! I could watch the babies antics all day.
Wonderful video with the hyenas at their den. Thanks Sean.
Thank you Sean for offering a more rounded image of this amazing animal.
Hyenas are such interesting animals, if we consider each peculiarity from a taxonomic side to a behavioural one. What’s wrong about them has nothing to do with their nature, from the overnumber to other predators (Hyenas are not attractive when hanging on a wall) to the sadistic instinct of some individuals who offer videos of elephants, lions and antelopes eaten alive by them. I also preferred them when, as a child, I thought they only ate carcasses, but nature is the way it is!
Hyenas are great, I like them. Up their with the pig as one of the most underrated mammals.
Absolutely love the spotted! Many is slowly but sure changing their opinion about them. The same applies to wild dogs too.
They are so cute and full of energy. They certainly do have a bad reputation, but
seeing these cubs do make you think about it.
100%! When we saw hyenas on safari I fell in love with them! Add they are opportunistic and matriarchal makes them that much more special to me! And they are pretty cute even with the ‘laughing’!
It’s always good to see hyena pups to remind us of their early beginnings – cute little puppies that sometimes look like a cross between a dog and a brown bear at a couple months of age. For me it’s their faces, that are so sweet, right after they exit the den to begin their lives’ journey. Thank you for sharing your several minutes of peace in the lives of hyenas….
Sean, We agree that they are pretty cute when they are young, but oh boy, when they grow up they are wild hunters!
Hyenas are the best 🙂 Loved this video Sean! Which clan does this den/these cubs belong to? How many dens do they normally use?
I know I ask a lot of questions lol, I’m just interested in understand more about the hyenas in the Sabi Sand and their ecology in comparison to the heavily-studied East African ones (a citizen project if you will haha).
Exactly my experience after visting a hyena den for the first time. Enjoyed the antics of the cubs as well as the calm demeanor of the mothers–exactly the opposite of earlier impressions. Cubs actually approached the vehicle and began licking the tires.
Very cute! You do a great service to the much maligned hyena by showing them in this light Sean!!
Hyena dens are a favourite of mine – I could spend hours watching with fascination!