Hyena Returned to Prague

Prague Zoo is the most traditional breeder of the brown hyena in Europe. Photo: Tomáš Adamec, Zoo Praha

Success in Great Britain
The breeding of brown hyenas in zoological gardens in extremely demanding. It is very difficult to form breeding couples. Females often do not manage to rear their offspring. The adult brown hyena, nicknamed African, came to Prague from South Africa in 2008. However, one year later she was transported to Port Lympne, England for breeding purposes.

Pláša’s courtship
“It was a success and African became a mother. She was the second female outside Africa that managed to rear her offspring on her own,” said Pavel Brandl, mammal curator in Prague Zoo.  The zoo now tries to continue the world success and renew its traditional breeding in Prague Zoo. African’s partner will be Pláša, who also comes from the wild.

Just like Tina Turner
“The old-new inhabitant of Prague Zoo is now exploring her spacious pen and the base. Her appearance reminds us of Tina Turner at her best. The wind-blown hair is exactly the same. And the amount of energy! I cannot wait for her comeback,” says the director of the zoo Miroslav Bobek. Prague Zoo has been breeding brown hyenas since 1967. The first baby was bred in 1972 but it was artificial breeding. Last century’s natural breeding in Prague Zoo is unique on a worldwide scale.