Spotted hyenas are highly intelligent and socially complex animals whose welfare in captivity requires specialized understanding of their unique biology.
Hyenas in captivity face welfare challenges from misunderstanding of their social complexity. Female dominance hierarchies require careful management when introducing new individuals. Their boisterous social interactions can appear aggressive to inexperienced keepers. Insufficient mental stimulation leads to stereotypic behaviors. Hyenas in less well-resourced facilities often live in barren concrete enclosures wholly inadequate for their intelligence. Their reputation as scavengers contributes to underinvestment in their welfare.