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Location:

Predator Passage next to Lions & Amur Leopard

Spotted Hyena

  • Tamu (F)  born 11/5/2002

  • Taziki (F) born 1/26/2008

Identifying Features:

  • Taziki is a little bigger, a little fluffier, and has a notch on side of left ear. She has claimed the cave, so 95% or more of the time, it is her in the cave.

  • Tamu has more pink on her lower lip . She generally looks more upkept with a couple cowlicks sticking up on her back. She moves more rigidly.

(see picture below or click "read more" for pictures of Taziki & Tamu) 

History:

  • Tamu & Taziki are mother and daugher

  • Arrived from Busch Gardens in Tampa fall 2023 for opening of Predator Passage

More Information:

  • Not just scavengers; they are also accomplished hunters. A study in the Kalahari found that 70% of their diet was composed of direct kills.

  • Common in open, dry habitat including semi-desert, savanna, acacia bush, and mountainous forest.

  • Less common in dense forested habitat

  • Hyenas have light brown fur with dark brown spots.

  • The spots are darkest in younger anmals and can be almost completely absent in very old animals.

  • Front legs are longer than the hind legs, giving the back a slightly odd, downward slope.

  • Feet have four digits with short, non-retractable claws and broad toe pads.

  • Females are larger than males.

  • All females are dominant to all males, and females remain in their natal clan for their entire lives.

  • 100-180 lbs

  • Clans may be composed of 3 to 80 members.

  • Larger clans occur where large prey can be found.

  • Typically, clans split into hunting groups of 2 to 5 individuals, although zebras are hunted in larger groups.

  • Small clans occur in desert areas in southern Africa.

Taziki



















Tamu








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