Africa Exhibit No Laughing Matter

Abilene, TX- The Abilene Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two striped hyenas from the Fort Worth Zoo. 

A male and female striped hyenas have been, temporarily, relocated from Fort Worth Zoo to the Abilene Zoo. Animal Care Staff will care for the animals for approximately two years, while the Fort Worth Zoo builds a redesigned big cat habitat projected to open in Spring 2023. 

The male hyena is named Felix, and the female is Farrah and both are 11 years old. They will be on exhibit beginning Wednesday, April 21, 2021, next to the rhino and lions. 

“Typically silent, striped hyenas emit sounds of a cackling howl rather than the giggles of their cousin the spotted hyena.” said General Curator Denise Ibarra, ”The zoo hasn’t featured hyenas since 2009.”

Striped Hyenas are related to the feline family despite many misconceptions of being canines. Often referred to as the clean-up crew, striped hyenas are scavengers with a diet that varies due to the seasons. They have a powerful jaw and strong teeth along with a broad head and pointy ears. Their fur can range in color from tawny brown to gray, while their distinguishing characteristics include black stripes providing camouflage in the African grasslands and a short tufted ridge of fur along their spine.  

About Abilene Zoo 

Abilene Zoo was founded in 1966 as a collaborative partnership between the City of Abilene and the Abilene Zoological Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving wildlife and protecting wild places. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the Abilene Zoo’s mission is a place of learning and adventure where people make memories, share in the joy of discovery, and become inspired to save wildlife. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1985, this West Texas Zoo sees 129 school districts from over 51 Texas counties in addition to over a quarter of a million guests each year. To learn more, visit abilenezoo.org. 

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Please contact the Abilene Zoo at 325.676.6085 for additional information about the facility, including special events and activities for visitors and its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and science education.