Zoo Planckendael welcomes hyena pup: “Very endearing, unlike their more brutal adult version”

Hyena Luena recently gave birth to a young one at Zoo Planckendael. The puppy is doing well, according to the zoo, but Luena is still keeping him or her well hidden in the family den.

Zoo Planckendael participates in the European breeding program of the spotted hyena to preserve the species. Female Luena and male Bongo, who lives rather solitary from the family, form the breeding couple. Eighteen months ago this led to the birth of sisters Xena and Xavannah, so now there is a third newborn.

“The gestation period of the spotted hyena is four months and both fertilization and birth are small miracles because the birth canal of hyenas is unusually long and with the necessary obstacles,” says Zoo Planckendael. “A newborn puppy is very endearing, unlike their bolder adult version with their impressive stature and expressive face.”

The sex of the young could not yet be determined. Once that is clear, the animal is given a name. It will start with the letter ‘Z’, like all animals that will be born in Planckendael this year.