Two Hyena Cubs Arrive at Kerala's Capital Zoo

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo in Kerala has announced the birth of two hyena cubs, marking the first successful breeding of the species at the facility. According to The Hindu, the zoo’s resident hyenas gave birth to the pair in early 2024, a milestone for the institution’s animal conservation efforts.

The hyenas, along with two jackals, two marsh crocodiles and two palm civets, were transferred from Shivamogga Zoological Park in Karnataka later last year. The Hindu reported that the exchange was part of a broader collaboration between the two state-run zoos to diversify their collections and enhance breeding programs.

Hyenas are not native to India, and their presence in Indian zoos is relatively limited. The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), listed as “Least Concern” globally but facing habitat loss in parts of Africa, is often kept for educational and research purposes. Successful captive breeding in Indian zoos is rare, making the recent birth noteworthy for wildlife officials and visitors alike.

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, established in 1857, has been expanding its focus on conservation and animal welfare in recent years. The institution’s management has emphasized the importance of creating suitable habitats that mimic natural conditions, a factor credited with the recent reproductive success. The zoo’s new hyena enclosure includes rocky outcrops and shaded areas, designed to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors.

Experts note that such births can serve as valuable opportunities for studying the species’ biology and for public outreach. Educational programs around the cubs are expected to raise awareness about the ecological role of hyenas in their native ecosystems and the challenges they face in the wild. The cubs will remain with their mother for several months before any potential future relocation to other facilities for genetic diversity.

The arrival of the hyena cubs underscores the growing emphasis on inter‑zoo collaboration in India, where animal exchanges aim to strengthen breeding pools and improve genetic health across institutions. As more Indian zoos adopt similar strategies, the prospects for preserving exotic species in captivity may improve, offering a buffer against declining wild populations.