Personal Information
The Zoo is home to one male spotted hyena, Lou, born in 1992. Keepers say Lou is playful, and he will run along the fence when people he knows are running along the outside. He also loves to play with toys, especially hard plastic balls. For recent information on the death of our female hyena, Drek, click here.
Status in the Wild
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status: Least concern.
Habitat
The spotted hyena occurs in many different habitats. It can live in extremely hot and arid lowland areas as well as cold, mountainous terrains in East Africa and Ethiopia. The spotted hyena inhabits the African savannah, the desert fringe and edges of tropical rainforests.
Diet
Though often labeled incorrectly as a scavenger, the spotted hyena is a powerful hunter. The majority of its nourishment is derived from live prey. Hyenas hunt hoofed mammals such as antelope, zebra and buffalo, but sometimes eat fruits, vegetables and carrion.