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Hi,

Did anyone notice the pregant hyena at Satara waterhole yesterday (14th October) morning? She was at the pool between 08.19 -08.32. First of all she had a drink, then she stepped into the water. After a while she sat down, immersing herself. Finally she stood again, for a long while, head down.

I am sure she was in labour (She certainly looks pregnant). I believe hyenas have a particularly hard time giving birth because they have evolved almost unisex gentitalia.

Am I being too far-fetched to think that instinctively she is opting for a "water-birth?"

Comments welcome, as I was fascinated: this was one time when I really wished there was a streaming camera!

Gillandave.

Hi gillandave! A warm welcome to the forum and the webcams! Although you're not a newbie on the latter anymore. I noticed you've been watching the cams for some time now, as I regularly see your name come up at the bottom where the 'Latest on ... Cam' is shown.

Have a look here. You'll find the hyena returned later again to get into the water again. I saw her in the afternoon as well, but only a glimpse on the left side of the cam, not worth posting.

I also remember we were able to observe the same phenomenon last year. I'll try to find the link and post it here as well.

There is one from November last year: Link

And from February this year: Link

Exactly what I thought at the time, Gillandave
Great to have you here

Thanks for that quick response!

I shall add your pics to mine, as I think this is a very special series. Your pics confirm for me, what appears to be happening. My daughter is a midwife and I can hardly wait to show her the pics. Sorry for the rather odd typo / spelling mistakes, but I was so excited....

I could watch all day - but I have to get on with my work. We have just returned to UK after 4 weeks in SA (KNP 8 days, H-U 5 days & several days is Swazi parks) so I hope to contribute to some other topics.

Best Wishes
Gillandave

Interesting -

Sometime in the last year (maybe Feb) at SAtara there was a pregnant female Hyaena and while she was in the water a male mated with her! It was at night, that I can remember.
Matthys and I commented on it at the time - but where the pictures could possibly be???

I have a new fascination with this low profile animal! We have seen two very young hyena pups (fur was still curly), fending for themselves (KNP2005);

This year we were horrified to find hyenas habituated to being fed by idiots, through the fence, in 3 camps (KNP). They would turn up at sundown and just patrol, expectantly: our neighbours, equipped with flood lights and IR lamps, made no secret of what they were doing. A member of the camp staff told us the hyena had 3 pups - we didn't see them, but if they learn from the mum (did she really deliver 3?), then they become habituated from birth. It will only take one child to be mauled by an hyena, and they will end up having to be destroyed. We did tell the Park staff about the feeding, but that particular family moved on that day.

Perhaps the warning sign could be expanded to explain in simple language the problem people cause by feeding the hyenas.

I haven't seen the webcam hyena today at all.

Gillandave

Early this morning behind the rain

I think she is back, Gillandave ?

Did you see the showdown between the Hyena & giraffe earlier and then later with the Zebs waiting to come & drink? That was great. What you reckon the story is with that Hyena?

I did not see the showdown at the time, but did check the earlier sightings now, thanks Danadyau !

Hey guys;

I worry our little hyena friend might not be well....I am sure you can all agree with me that regardless of the temperature of the water, it is very strange behavior for a hyena to be laying in the hot midday sun with probably a ton of humans watching her from the fence....
That being said, she has moved on...

Hi and warm welcome to the forums, Riekie .

I hope with you and Barcelona and all concerned, that we will learn more abour 'our' hyena's behaviour

Hi All
"Buffalofreak" was at Satara this last week and has posted in the daily thread, that the Hyaena has had her pups already..

but People are feeding her through the fence - Kebabs on sticks Hope this is not making her sick and has got stuck in her gullet or stomach