Two of world’s rarest carnivores – pair of endangered brown hyenas – born at UK zoo

Two of the world’s rarest carnivores – a pair of endangered brown hyenas – have been born at a UK zoo.

There are fewer than 5,000 in the wild, worldwide.

They are the rarest of the four hyena species.

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Now a sibling pair of the animals, named Flo and Quinn, have moved into Newquay Zoo, Cornwall.

At just under two-years-old, the young hyenas are already exploring their new home – a specially adapted enclosure which previously housed lions.

Their habitat includes multiple shelter areas, naturalistic landscaping and space for enrichment opportunities to encourage natural behaviours once they’ve settled in.

Endemic to southern Africa, the animals play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health as nature’s cleanup crew, as reported by What’s The Jam.

They consume carcasses that prevent disease spread and help recycle nutrients back into the environment.

With their shaggy coats, powerful jaws and incredible sense of smell, they are perfectly adapted scavengers, consuming almost every part of a carcass – including the bones – while also supplementing their diet with fruit, eggs and insects.

Compared to their spotted and striped relatives, brown hyenas are far less studied and represent the most endangered of all hyena species.

Newquay Zoo’s John Meek, curator of Plants and Animals said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome brown hyenas to Newquay Zoo.

“They are one of Africa’s least understood carnivores – shy, solitary and beautifully adapted for survival in some of the toughest environments on Earth.

“For people to be able to see them, up close, is a powerful reminder of why zoo conservation matters.”

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