A young spotted hyena skulked around, watching us suspiciously and keeping his distance.

Okusolisayo means to be “suspicious” in isiZulu.

He was smaller than the others, an adolescent in his prime. The elephant carcass had been there for a few days, and once the apex predators had their fill, he and some members of his clan moved in to savour the remains. Only vultures and the clan remained, allowing them to chew and digest at their leisure. Some hyenas spent time gnawing at the bones before moving off to lie down and digest. Others began to play.

A large hyena tossed one of the bones into the air, sparking interest from a couple of younger adults who then joined in to playfully fight over the treasure. As the play continued, a smaller hyena shifted in our direction, suddenly noticing us. He stopped, unsure, almost nervous, and stood quietly, observing us for a moment. After a final sniff into the breeze, he turned and moved in a wide arc around us, his eyes locked on us until he disappeared into the nearby bush.

Hyenas at Play

Hyenas are often portrayed in a negative light, but in reality, they are intelligent, social animals with complex behaviours that go far beyond the vicious reputation they've been given. One of the most fascinating aspects of hyena behaviour is their penchant for play, which is common among both adults and juveniles within their clans.

Play-fighting among hyenas is not just random roughhousing; it’s a highly organised activity with its own set of rules. Research has shown that hyenas use subtle body language cues to communicate that their attacks during play are not dangerous but rather a form of bonding and social interaction. This is a stark contrast to the fierce, aggressive image often associated with these animals.

In Hyena clans, play serves an essential role in establishing and maintaining social bonds. Both adults and younger hyenas engage in these playfights, using signals such as a relaxed, open mouth to indicate that the interaction is friendly. Interestingly, these play sessions tend to be longer and more complex than in many other species. While most animals might stop play-fighting when one participant clearly gains the upper hand, hyenas often continue their playful interactions, allowing both participants to exchange roles and learn from the experience.

Beyond their play behaviour, hyenas are cooperative creatures that exhibit strong social bonds within their clans. Females, in particular, are known for their maternal instincts, ensuring that their offspring are well cared for. Unlike lions, where dominant males often eat first and push cubs aside, hyena mothers prioritise their young at the kill. This nurturing behaviour is a reflection of the strong family ties that exist within hyena communities.

Despite their often-misunderstood nature, hyenas play a crucial role in their ecosystems. Their intelligence and social structure make them highly adaptable, and their ability to communicate through subtle cues allows them to navigate complex social interactions. Far from the villains they are often portrayed as, hyenas are a vital part of the natural world, demonstrating cooperation, intelligence, and a capacity for play that rivals that of many other species.

So, the next time you observe hyenas, look beyond the stereotypes. You'll witness a species that, while powerful and sometimes fierce, also has a playful, affectionate side that is essential to their survival and success. Whether it's a young hyena tossing a bone in the air or an adult engaging in a friendly tussle, these moments of play are as crucial to their social structure as any hunt or feast.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.

Sony A7iii, FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 338mm, S: 1/400s, A: F7.1, ISO: 2000