The ancient town of Harar, eastern Ethiopia, plays host to a truly amazing spectacle which happens just after sunset on the outskirts of town. Yusuf takes centre stage, Illuminated by the congregated car headlights. The surrounding mountains of Harar are home to many Hyenas and for the curious visitors, this is the best show in town. Most people experience wild apex predators in a game-viewing vehicle with a professional game ranger. There is always a barrier, even if only the open topped vehicle.

 

This is the only place in the world to encounter these animals this close-up. They are always a bit shy at first, but soon the lure of chunks of meat breaks down all in-bred caution and Yusuf is surrounded by a hungry pack. Wild predators have become very reliant on the town’s folk for food. Feeding Wild Hyenas in Harar goes back many generations, long before any tourists showed interest. The origins of it were apparently an attempt to protect the children of the town, some of whom had fallen prey to the hyenas under the cloak of darkness.

 

Just when everyone thinks they have seen the climax of the show, it’s time for a bit of audience participation. The Hyenas come ever closer, the lights not bothering them at all. One has to be constantly reminded that this is indeed a wild animal. They tolerate humans for the sake of a free meal. Even with no tourists about Yusuf still feeds them, just to keep the routine going and to stop them from straying too far away. When the Hyenas have had their fill, they slip back into the shadows. Definitely Ethiopia’s most photographed wildlife attraction.

 

Aims of media campaign

Ethiopia has a vast and mostly untapped tourist potential and this is something a little different. Not all agree with the principle of feeding, and habituating wild Hyenas, but ultimately the community is directly benefiting financially, which often doesn’t happen in traditional game lodge set-ups.

 

To Do

Continue to give a platform to lesser known Wildlife experiences.