Best Hyena enclosure in the Benelux

[felis silvestris]

This is just a bit of fun to judge the general consensus on the best enclosure for Hyenas in the Benelux. I have added a few photos from the gallery to make it easier for members to compare the different exhibits. If anyone wants to make an argument for a particular enclosure, please feel free to do so. Also, I would encourage people to list the enclosures in order of what they think is best.

Sorry I will not be make the Rotterdam zoo review since my whole post got deleted somehow. I’ll still post photos of it though.

If you want to vote for Pakawi or Bouillon (Spotted) please vote for the “Other” option in the poll.


Bouillon (Striped)



Pakawi (Striped)





Zie-Zoo (Striped)



Bouillon (Spotted)



Pairi Daiza (Spotted)



Planckendael (Spotted)



Amersfoort (Spotted)



Hoenderdaell (Spotted)



Beekse Bergen (Spotted)

 

[felis silvestris]

Rotterdam (Spotted)



Zie-Zoo (Spotted)



Photo credits to @KevinB @KevinL @snowleopard @vogelcommando @Mr Gharial @felis silvestris

 

[Mr Gharial]

Amersfoort has an interesting enclosure that's made of three "rooms", I guess.

The photo used here shows roughly 1/3 of the enclosure. I'll upload the other areas too so you can give a proper look at the size:



I haven't seen most of the enclosures here but I can easily say that Blijdorp has one of the worst ones. It's awkwardly crammed between the main Savanna paddock and the train tracks that pass over the zoo

 

[felis silvestris]

I

Amersfoort has an interesting enclosure that's made of three "rooms", I guess.

The photo used here shows roughly 1/3 of the enclosure. I'll upload the other areas too so you can give a proper look at the size:

View attachment 640370 View attachment 640371 View attachment 640372

I haven't seen most of the enclosures here but I can easily say that Blijdorp has one of the worst ones. It's awkwardly crammed between the main Savanna paddock and the train tracks that pass over the zoo

I agree. It was pretty small IMO.

 

[Perseus6]

I think the top 3 are Planckendael, Amersfoort and Beekse Bergen. (Planckendael has 3 outside enclosures, as well.) In my opinion separation possibilities are a must, since Hyenas are tough even tho they're usually kept in pairs, It's nice for the males to get a breather. I like the vegetation, it's not as empty. Also vegetation provides shade, which is important. Patrolling is fine however if the animals continuously pace something is wrong, which you can see in some enclosures. Enrichment and hiding spaces are a must since predators are generally lazy unless stimulated, simple scent enrichment what we usually can't see does wonders. In general Hyena enclosures are pretty bad in my opinion, but the top 3 I mentioned are pretty good. I would love to read your thoughts.

 

[Mr Gharial]

I know Beekse Bergen is currently building a new grouping of Hyena enclosures that are to be finished soon-ish. These will be pretty similar to their current ones, and will have the space for three groups I believe

Personally, I vote Amersfoort. Most of the hyena enclosures are pretty samesy so it would depend on size. However, Amersfoort's enclosure has a very strange shape and a few differences in substrate and height throughout the enclosure.

Small hills, some grass, some soil, a small brick path, loose stones and even some climbing opportunities make me feel like Amersfoort's enclosure, though not as visually impressive (doesn't simulate Africa in any way) might provide a little more stimulation than your average yard of tall grass.

Now, of course Amersfoort doesn't have any separation enclosures, which would be better. But for a single enclosure in terms of design I think Amersfoort does really well

 

[Yunha]

I always find it a bit hard to vote on the 'best' enclosure, but what I like about Amersfoort's enclosure is the interaction with the African Lions in the neighbouring enclosure through the window.

(Shamelessly promoting my home zoo here guys, carry on. )

 

[felis silvestris]

Score update. It’s close but Beekse Bergen is winning at the moment. Does anyone have an argument for why they should win?

 

[Mr Gharial]

Score update. It’s close but Beekse Bergen is winning at the moment. Does anyone have an argument for why they should win?

I think it's essentially the same as all Beekse Bergen's wins: good natural environment and a lot of space

 

[felis silvestris]

Poll closed. Congratulations to Beekse Bergen for having the Best Hyena enclosure in the Benelux. The large enclosure and nice terrain for decent sized group of the animals gave it a win. A mention to Planckendael and Hoenderdaell who did well to come second and third respectively.

Beekse Bergen: 36.8%
Planckendael: 26.3%
Hoenderdaell: 15.8%
Zie-Zoo (Spotted): 10.5%
Amersfoort: 10.5%