The spotted hyena is a fairly common sight in East Africa. The striped hyena is not. They are classified as near threatened due to a consistent decline in population. Less than 10,000 individuals currently exist in the wild. On top of their scarce numbers, they are almost strictly nocturnal, so it is very rare to see one in daylight. We came across this striped hyena in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, just after the sun had set. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/30th of a second
The only time I have seen a hyena was MANY years ago at San Francisco’s Fleishhacker Zoo. The caged animal was either sleeping or completely depressed in its enclosure, lying on the cement floor. I felt sorry for the animal. The hyena in your image, Sean, is another story. It appears healthy, alert and probably as happy as a “born-free” hyena can be. Nice image!
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
The spotted hyena is a fairly common sight in East Africa. The striped hyena is not. They are classified as near threatened due to a consistent decline in population. Less than 10,000 individuals currently exist in the wild. On top of their scarce numbers, they are almost strictly nocturnal, so it is very rare to see one in daylight. We came across this striped hyena in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, just after the sun had set.
The only time I have seen a hyena was MANY years ago at San Francisco’s Fleishhacker Zoo. The caged animal was either sleeping or completely depressed in its enclosure, lying on the cement floor. I felt sorry for the animal. The hyena in your image, Sean, is another story. It appears healthy, alert and probably as happy as a “born-free” hyena can be. Nice image!
great pic. to day.
Veronica Lake finds
Its hard to be glamorous
At eves beginning .