Meet the Spotted Hyena
The Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta), often called the Laughing Hyena, is one of Africa’s most fascinating and misunderstood predators. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, from dry savannas to open woodlands, these highly intelligent and social animals live in matriarchal clans led by dominant females. Their infamous “laugh” is actually a form of communication, with different vocalizations signaling excitement, submission, or distress. Contrary to popular belief, hyenas are skilled hunters, not just scavengers—they can take down large prey like wildebeest and zebras with remarkable teamwork and endurance. Their powerful jaws and digestive systems allow them to crush and consume bones, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. As keystone species, spotted hyenas play a crucial role in maintaining balance in the wild, proving they are far more than just nature’s cleanup crew.
Park Location: Animal Walkabout
About the Spotted Hyena
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Height | 27.6 – 36 Inches (70 – 91.5 cm) |
| Length | 37.4 – 65.4 Inches (95 – 166 cm) |
| Weight | 89.1 – 140.8 lbs (40.5 – 64 kg) |
| Diet | Spotted hyenas are carnivorous animals that hunt and scavenge. When hunting alone, they prey on smaller animals such as hares, foxes, jackals, birds, fish, and snakes, as well as carrion. In a group, they hunt medium to large-sized hoofed animals like zebra, wildebeest, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, topi, waterbuck, eland, hartebeest, and impala. They also supplement their diet with eggs, fruit, and invertebrates. |
| Gestation Period | 4 Months |
| Life Span | 20 – 40 Years |
| Top Speed | 37 mph (60 km/h) |
| Threats | Human persecution through shooting, poisoning, trapping, and snaring, even in protected areas, often in farming areas following actual or assumed killing by hyenas of livestock, or to protect livestock. |
