I’m a Hyena
I’m a unique looking animal

Almost catlike but a species of my own

My ancestors can be traced back 22 million years ago.



We are highly social animals and gather in clans where females are the dominant ones and they take charge and care for the family.



Hyenas have puzzled scientists and animal researchers throughout time with their highly complex social structure and their biological development.



Hyenas are very strong and fast and they’re efficient at capturing their prey.



They have strong jaws and bone crushing teeth that allow them to attack and kill in the hunt.



They are known for their hunting skills and their speed and they go out in packs to protect each other in their quest for food and survival.



Hyenas are native to Africa and Asia and have strong family ties which enable them to survive in the wild.



Hyenas are very vocal in their communication amongst each other making all kinds of sounds in their daily lives as they express themselves.



Hyenas also display their feelings and emotions through their body language and their facial expressions.



Hyenas are both scavenger and predator and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem by preventing the spread of disease in the wild as they scavenge the animal carcasses left behind by other predators.



The spotted hyena also known as the laughing hyena is a very dangerous animal and has been known to kill for prey or if it feels threatened.



When under attack they will make a sound that resembles laughter but it really is a warning signal to others in the pack to be careful.



There are 4 species remaining of the hyena family central to Africa and Asia.



Hyenas are not to be messed with as they are considered predators and extremely dangerous and very fast as they are clocked at speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour in the wild.



You can visit a pack of hyenas at the zoo where you’re protected and they have staff tending to their needs and addressing their health and social concerns.



They are given food, shelter, toys to play with and medical attention that are not available to them in the wild where they would have to fend for themselves.



Hyenas have been portrayed in film with one such popular movie showcasing their aggression and bad behavior in “The Lion King”, a favorite of children of all ages.



In the movie Simba is threatened by Scar, the younger brother Lion and rival to his father, Mufasa who is killed by him.



Scar also orders hyenas to attack and kill Simba so he will reign as king of the jungle but Simba fights back to honor and avenge the death of his father.



This story is portrayed in the animated and live action films of the same name and the Broadway show delighting audiences of all ages.



Hyenas are mysterious and amazing animals that have intrigued scientists for all of time as they exist in the world.



The lifespan of hyenas is 25 years in the wild and longer in captivity where they are provided the necessary care they don’t have in the wild.



If you hear me laughing in the wild that’s not a good sign. That means I am feeling threatened and under attack so stay clear of the pack.



I’m a curiosity to many.



I look like a cat but I’m not.



I’m a hyena.