Inside the Hyena Den: A Rare Glimpse Into Africa’s Superhero Mothers

There are certain sightings on safari that stay with you forever. Recently, we were lucky enough to arrive at one of the most treasured places in the bush: a hyena den. At first, two playful youngsters bounded into view, their fur still soft and fluffy, their bright eyes full of mischief. They paused to sniff the air before tumbling back into their game - chasing sticks, nipping at each other, and wrestling with the kind of carefree abandon that only cubs can have.

Just as we thought the magic had peaked, something extraordinary happened. From the dark mouth of the mound, a tiny black head emerged. A cub just a few weeks old, still cloaked in its baby-dark coat, blinked at the world for the first time in front of us. Shy but curious, it retreated, then peeked again, edging a little further each time. The air around us felt charged, as if time itself had slowed. To witness such vulnerability and new life so close was nothing short of a gift.

And behind these cubs is an even deeper story - one of resilience, devotion, and survival. Did you know hyenas invest more energy per cub than any other land carnivore? Hyena mothers are some of the very best in the animal kingdom. Despite enduring one of the most difficult and painful births, risking their lives to bring their young into the world, their com

mitment never wavers. They nurse their cubs with rich, nutrient-dense milk, often for well over a year and long after weaning, pouring their strength into giving their little ones the best possible start.

As for life in a hyena clan, it is just as remarkable. Unlike many other species, it is a true matriarchy: every female outranks every male, and daughters inherit their mother’s position in the hierarchy. This society, built on female strength, ensures stability for the next generation and shapes the very fabric of their survival. To enforce this, female adults are physically larger and more aggressive than their male counterparts. A close inspection will even reveal pseudo male genitalia – a fascinating and poorly understood anatomy unique to hyenas. Truly, females are the superheroes in this story!

To sit quietly at a den, watching new life unfold under the tender care of such formidable mothers, is to understand why hyenas deserve more admiration than they often receive. They are not the scavengers of old stories, but guardians of their young and vital players in nature’s balance. And if you’re fortunate enough to witness them, you’ll leave with a memory that glows long after the sun has set.

Words and photos by Emily Whiting