Spotted hyenas are highly social, cognitively complex carnivores whose welfare in zoo settings depends critically on appropriate group housing, mental stimulation, and the ability to express natural behaviours.
Spotted hyenas present unique welfare challenges in zoo settings. Their complex dominance hierarchies mean that inappropriate group composition — particularly mixed-sex groups without careful management — can lead to severe aggression. Single housing violates fundamental social needs; hyenas without conspecific companions show stereotypies, apathy, and elevated stress hormones. Cognitive enrichment is particularly important: hyenas have demonstrated superior performance over lions and leopards on many problem-solving tasks, and an understimulating environment causes frustration and repetitive behaviours. Restricted locomotion in typical zoo enclosures fails to satisfy natural ranging drives. Feeding enrichment should incorporate whole carcasses or large bone pieces to allow natural jaw use. Calving without veterinary support can be fatal given the anatomical risks of hyena parturition. Best-practice facilities provide naturalistic substrate, puzzle feeders, scent trails, and managed social groups.