Baby animal sightings always tug at our heartstrings, but this one was especially poignant. Lambert Fourie managed to film the gentler side of hyenas in this special sighting.
In his clipping, the hyena mom showed that there is more to hyenas than meets the eye. When heavy rains left her clan’s den flooded, she stepped up to the rescue, carrying her little one to safety.
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Flooded den brings mom and baby into the open
The floods did not deter this mother hyena from doing her motherly duties. She was first spotted through rain-dotted vehicle windows.
The tiniest hyena could be seen in her care.
Hyena mother emerges with baby in its grip
Rain can transform the bushveld into a very different world. Dry tracks become muddy, temperatures drop, and animals that normally move confidently through their surroundings may become more cautious.
For this spotted hyena mother, the rainy day meant keeping her vulnerable baby close as she moved through the wet conditions.
She lifted the little one up in her jaws to make the journey just that easier for her baby. She could be seen heading towards the road, walking through the dense bushveld.
The moment was so beautiful, even the toughest game viewer would have felt a few heartstrings being pulled.
Remarkable bond on full display
Spotted hyenas have remarkably strong family bonds, and mothers invest considerable time and energy in raising their young.
Cubs remain dependent on them for food, protection and guidance during the early stages of their lives.
The cub was exceptionally young and fully relied on its mother’s protection and guidance. However, she definitely stepped up to the plate as she continued to make her way through the thicket and towards the road.
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For a young cub, staying close to its mother is essential. Hyena cubs are born relatively well developed compared with many other carnivores, but they still require extensive maternal care.
They are born with their eyes open and teeth already present, which is unusual among many carnivorous mammals. Nevertheless, being able to see and bite does not mean a newborn cub is independent. It still relies heavily on its mother for nourishment, warmth and protection.
Hyena makes its way down the road
Having entered the road, the hyena proceeded to walk down the road, in full view of game viewers. Roads are often used by game as they offer the path of least resistance.
With the rain falling and the urgency to get the cub to the safety of its den, the mother continued to move with haste and determination.
Hyena mothers are particularly dedicated to their offspring. Cubs nurse from their mothers for an exceptionally long period, with weaning generally occurring much later than in many other large carnivores.
This extended period of dependence gives young hyenas time to develop the physical and social skills they need to survive within the complex clan structure.
The bushveld can be a tough place for such a young animal; however, when you have Mom by your side, life becomes just that much easier… even in the rain.
