International Hyena Day: Honouring Phiri's transformation at LIONSROCK Sanctuary
Meet Phiri the Hyena at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
Image: FOUR PAWS
As the world prepares to mark International Hyena Day on 27 April, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, run by global welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, is celebrating the remarkable journey of Phiri, a spotted hyena whose story challenges common misconceptions about his species.
Phiri’s transformation from a solitary, deprived animal to a confident, charismatic resident is being highlighted by FOUR PAWS to call for greater compassion for hyenas, which are often "misrepresented and mistreated". Rescued by FOUR PAWS, Phiri was previously kept alone in inadequate conditions, lacking the proper enrichment, social interaction, and environmental stimulation crucial for hyenas, which are described as "highly intelligent and social animals".
This isolation prevented him from expressing natural behaviours, leading to suffering. Since arriving at LIONSROCK, Phiri has been provided with a spacious, species-appropriate habitat designed to encourage natural activities such as exploring, scent-marking, scanning, and vocalising. Slowly, he began to gain confidence, revealing a curious and nuanced personality, including displaying vocalisations often mistakenly described as 'laughter,' which actually serve as complex communication signals.
Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK, has closely observed Phiri’s recovery. “Phiri reminds us every day how intelligent, sensitive and social hyenas are. Once he felt safe, his entire personality opened up. Watching him flourish is one of our greatest joys at LIONSROCK,” Pirker said.
International Hyena Day exists to combat the long-held prejudice that portrays hyenas as mere scavengers or villains in popular culture, despite scientific evidence confirming their "critical ecological role, strong family bonds and sophisticated vocal and social intelligence". This misunderstanding, sadly, contributes to mistreatment in captivity, where hyenas may be exploited for entertainment or kept in private ownership.
Phiri the Hyena.
Image: FOUR PAWS
Phiri’s peaceful life at LIONSROCK is a powerful example of why such sanctuaries are vital, providing safe, lifelong care for individuals who cannot be released into the wild. “Phiri carried the emotional scars of his past when he arrived,” added Pirker. “Today, he moves with confidence and curiosity. His journey reminds us why we fight for stronger protections for all wild animals who suffer at the hands of humans”.
LIONSROCK invites the public to use International Hyena Day to rethink old prejudices and to celebrate hyenas as resilient, intelligent, and ecologically essential animals deserving of protection.