Lions, cheetahs, rhinos, a café, and a C-130 headline the first phase of A Bold Adventure’s expansion. However, that isn’t all that is making its way to the Abilene Zoo. There is a space beneath the boardwalk in Africa that has yet to be mentioned. This habitat next to the cheetah will be used for a lesser known, oft-misunderstood species.
The animal in question is the hyena! While not as famous as lions, rhinos, or giraffes, these animals still play important roles across their African environments, and soon at the Abilene Zoo.
Hyenas are not members of dogs or cat families. Instead, they belong to a family all their own, Hyaenidae. The mongoose and the meerkat are actually the hyena’s closest relatives. There are four members of this family: Striped hyenas, spotted hyenas, brown hyenas, and aardwolves (not actually a wolf).
The Abilene Zoo will most likely house striped hyenas as part of A Bold Adventure. Striped hyenas are smaller and quieter than brown and spotted hyenas. They are not considered very aggressive and usually choose to avoid most contact with other wildlife.
Hyenas are scavengers, making them an important cleaning crew of their native habitats. Native to northern Africa, the Middle East, and India, striped hyenas live in habitat too difficult for other large predators: semideserts, rocky scrublands, and savannas. They will feel right at home here in West Texas.
Much can be learned from hyenas. As an example, they seem to be immune to certain diseases, such as rabies and anthrax. By studying their immune system, cures could be found for humans.
Despite this, they have come to be known through myths and superstitions as somehow distasteful, unpleasant, or even evil. Yet those who have studied or worked with hyenas can attest to their intelligence, their cooperative social groups, and their attentive care of their young.
Hyenas are mostly nocturnal and spend daylight hours resting in burrows, rock crevices, or simply under the shade of bushes and tree. As such, careful attention is being paid toward their habitats in the expansion to ensure that these animals can both showcase their abilities and have their needs met.
By supporting Abilene Zoo and A Bold Adventure, you are our ally in saving and protecting all kinds of wildlife worldwide. For 60 years, we’ve been shaped by the support of our community. Now, as the next chapter begins, we invite you to be part of it.
Follow the journey on our social media channels for construction updates as the vision becomes a reality. Members will get special sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes updates.
Strap in for the adventure at abilenezoo.org/a-bold-adventure.
