A hyena at Yorkshire Wildlife Park displayed remarkable parenting skills by rescuing her cubs from a potentially flooded den during heavy rain. Noubia, the spotted hyena, surprised park visitors by bringing out a wet but healthy cub in her mouth, followed by another cub appearing in their shelter days later.
The hyena family has become a popular attraction at the park, delighting visitors with their frequent appearances. Despite having a purpose-built house, hyenas prefer the security of underground dens, usually repurposed from existing burrows dug by other animals.
Rebecca Brown, YWP’s Carnivore Team Leader, shared that the previous hyena had created the den, which Noubia then adopted. Concerns arose as heavy rain threatened flooding, as hyenas typically don’t dig dens themselves but repurpose existing ones. Monitoring the den was challenging, making it hard to confirm Noubia’s pregnancy and birthing status without disturbing her.
Excitement arose when a visitor spotted the cubs above ground, relieving the park staff. The ranger described the den’s structure and the joy of seeing the cubs safe in the warmth of the house. Noubia’s successful labor resulted in two healthy cubs, showcasing her natural mothering instincts.
Noubia and her mate, Speedy, who arrived from Belgium in 2025, are part of a breeding program aimed at safeguarding the species amid declining wild populations. Spotted hyenas, known for their intelligence and distinctive vocalizations, are highly social animals.
Dr. Charlotte MacDonald, the park’s Director of Animals, expressed satisfaction in Noubia’s maternal behavior and the successful breeding program contribution. Hyena cubs are born precocious, with open eyes and teeth, quickly adapting to their environment. The hyena pair’s harmonious relationship and rapid acclimatization bode well for the future of their offspring and the species as a whole.
