Owning exotic pets has become a trend in some parts of the world, and one of the most controversial animals people consider is the hyena as a pet. While these wild predators are intelligent and social, keeping them as pets is extremely challenging and, in most cases, impractical. In this article, we will explore whether you can have a hyena for a pet, the cost of owning one, and the legal and ethical considerations.
Contents
Can You Have a Hyena as a Pet?
Hyenas are wild animals with complex social structures and high-energy needs, making them extremely difficult to keep as pets. While some people in Africa and other regions may attempt to tame them, hyenas remain unpredictable and potentially dangerous. In most places, owning a hyena is illegal due to safety concerns and ethical considerations.
Legality of Owning a Hyena
In most places, hyenas for pets are either highly restricted or completely illegal. Hyenas are classified as wild animals and are not domesticated like dogs or cats. In the US, owning a hyena is illegal in many states, and where it is legal, you need special permits. Laws vary worldwide, so if you are considering a hyena for a pet, you must check local wildlife regulations.
Are Hyenas Friendly to Humans?
Hyenas are often misunderstood animals. While they are social and have complex social structures, they are not domesticated. Are hyenas friendly to humans? Generally, no. Hyenas are opportunistic predators and can be aggressive, especially when they feel threatened. Some people have raised hyenas from birth, but they remain unpredictable.
Can a Hyena Be Tamed?
Many people wonder, Can a hyena be tamed? Hyenas are wild animals, and while some can be conditioned to tolerate human interaction, true domestication is nearly impossible. Unlike dogs or cats, hyenas have strong predatory instincts and social hierarchies that make them unpredictable.
Some cultures have attempted to tame hyenas, but they remain dangerous, requiring specialized care and environments.
Can Hyenas Live Alone?
Hyenas are highly social animals that live in structured packs known as clans. Keeping a hyena alone is unnatural and would cause stress and behavioral problems. Can hyenas live alone? No, they need the company of other hyenas to thrive.
Taking Care of a Hyena: Costs and Requirements
If you somehow acquire legal permission to own a hyena, you must be prepared for significant costs and responsibilities.
Hyena Price by Type
- Spotted Hyena: $10,000 – $20,000 (rarely sold legally)
- Striped Hyena: $5,000 – $15,000
- Brown Hyena: $8,000 – $18,000
- Aardwolf (small hyena-like species): $3,000 – $7,000
Hyena Puppy Price
The price of a hyena puppy (also known as a hyena cub) can vary widely depending on factors like the breeder, location, and the animal’s lineage. In general, hyenas are not common pets and may be difficult to find for sale through legal or ethical breeders. Additionally, hyenas are wild animals and are subject to legal restrictions in many areas.
In regions where they are legally available, prices could range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. However, it’s important to check local laws and regulations before considering owning one, as keeping a hyena as a pet can be challenging and potentially dangerous.
If you’re interested in adopting or supporting hyenas, you may want to consider donating to wildlife conservation efforts or supporting sanctuaries.
What Does a Hyena Need?
A pet hyena requires:
- A large, reinforced enclosure (cost: $5,000 – $15,000 to build)
- Specialized diet (cost: $3,000 – $6,000 per year)
- Veterinary care (cost: $1,500 – $5,000 per year)
- Social interaction (you may need more than one hyena, doubling costs)
Total Cost of Owning a Hyena
If legal in your area, keeping a hyena as a pet could cost $20,000 – $50,000+ per year, including food, medical care, and enclosure maintenance.
Are Hyenas Legal Pets in the US?
In the US, hyenas are not considered domestic animals. Are hyenas legal pets in the US? In most of the United States, hyenas as pets are illegal. Some states have strict exotic animal laws that prohibit private ownership of wild animals, including hyenas. A few states may allow ownership with special permits, but these are rare and come with significant regulations. Before considering a hyena for a pet, it is crucial to research state and local laws.
Hyena as a Pet in Africa
In some African regions, hyenas have been kept by people, particularly in Nigeria, where certain groups use them for performances and as status symbols. However, keeping a hyena as a pet in Africa is still rare, and the practice is often tied to cultural traditions rather than pet ownership in the traditional sense.
Are There Hyenas in Morocco?
Yes, there are hyenas in Morocco, specifically striped hyenas. However, they are considered rare and are often threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
Are Hyenas Friendly to People?
Hyenas are not naturally friendly to humans. In the wild, they are territorial and can be aggressive if threatened. While some hyenas raised in captivity may tolerate human presence, they do not form the same affectionate bonds as domesticated animals like dogs. Their powerful bite and unpredictable nature make them unsafe as pets.
Hyenas and Other Pets
Hyenas do not coexist well with other pets. Their natural hunting instincts and aggressive behavior make them a danger to smaller animals, including cats and dogs. Unlike domesticated pets that can be trained to live together, hyenas see other animals as either competition or prey. Even in captivity, they require strict supervision and separation from household pets to prevent conflicts or fatal encounters.
Conclusion
Owning a hyena as a pet is not practical or ethical in most cases. While fascinating creatures, hyenas for pets require immense resources, legal permits, and an understanding of their wild nature. If you love hyenas, consider supporting conservation efforts instead of trying to own one.
