Baby Hyena Makes Debut at Busch Gardens Tampa
A new baby spotted hyena has just been introduced to the hyena clan at Busch Gardens Tampa’s Edge of Africa habitat!
The 20-week-old male cub was born at the park on April 3, 2016, and is named “Mandazi” for his sweet personality after a traditional pastry found on the Swahili coast.
The cub is healthy and being cared for by mother, 8-year-old Taziki, who was also born at Busch Gardens. The 16-year-old father, Makali, came to Busch Gardens in 2008 from The University of California Berkley’s Hyena Project which focused on behavioral research.
Guests can see the baby hyena in the Edge of Africa area of the park or on the Heart of Africa tour.
Hyenas are currently not endangered, however their populations are shrinking due to poachers, human conflict, and habitat destruction. Hyenas are efficient predators; they are able to digest bones and teeth of their prey. Females normally weigh up to 165 pounds and are typically larger than males.
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