Hyena cub born at Planckendael Zoo
There is a new addition to the hyena pack at Planckendael Zoo in Antwerp Province. The proud mum of the new cub is Luena. Those wishing to catch a glimpse of the baby hyena will have to wait for a while as Luena is keeping him or her well hidden in the hyena family’s den for the time being at least.
Planckendael Zoo is part of the European breeding programme for the spotted hyena. The programme aims to preserve the species. Female Luena and male Bongo form the breeding pair.
A year and a half ago Luena became a mum for the first time when two female cubs, Xena and Xavannah, were born. Although the Spotted Hyena is currently categorised as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, the population is known to be decreasing outside protected areas. They are threatened by deforestation and hunting.
In a press release Planckendael Zoo said that "The gestation period of the spotted hyena is four months. Both conception and birth are small miracles because the birth canal in hyenas is unusually long"
The sex of the cub can not yet be determined. Once that has ecome clear, the baby hyena will be given a name. Like all animals born at Planckendael this year its name will start with the letter 'Z'.