North American Spotted Hyena Population

Jaxton said:
I have a population list, give me a moment to compile it into text form as it's currently on a spreadsheet.
Click to expand...
Here is the current AZA-accredited population as of July 6, 2025. Please feel free to point out any errors:

Total: 41 (20.21)
Facilities: 21

Africam Safari Park - Puebla, PU, Mexico
  • 1.0 ? (? x ?) ? at ?
Total: 1 (1.0)

Albuquerque Biological Park - Albuquerque, NM, United States
  • 1.0 Dubu (Multiple: Turbo or Zephyr x Ursa) 03/06/2003 at University of California, Berkeley
  • 0.1 Smilla (? x ?) 01/01/2008 at Wild Unknown
Total: 2 (1.1)

Bronx Zoo - Bronx, NY, United States
  • 1.0 Robie (Bramble x Nairobi) 10/30/2002 at University of California, Berkeley
Total: 1 (1.0)

Buffalo Zoo - Buffalo, NY, United States
  • 0.1 Taz (Wild x Wild) 06/01/2007 at Wild Tanzania
Total: 1 (0.1)

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa, FL, United States
  • 1.0 Mandazi (Makali x Taziki) 04/03/2016 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • 0.1 Maboga (Makali x Taziki) 10/30/2016 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Total: 2 (1.1)

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Columbus, OH, United States
  • 1.0 Shenzi (Eddie x Shenzi) 11/19/2014 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
  • 0.1 Banzai (Eddie x Shenzi) 11/19/2014 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Total: 2 (1.1)

Denver Zoological Gardens - Denver, CO, United States
  • 1.0 Kelele (Grungie x Taz) 06/26/2014 at Buffalo Zoo
  • 0.1 Tavi (Eddie x Shenzi) 06/11/2014 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Total: 2 (1.1)

Fort Wayne Zoo - Fort Wayne, IN, United States
  • 1.0 Askari (Kibo x Ngozi) 11/14/2006 at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
  • 0.1 Ruckus (Dubu x Smilla) 08/08/2014 at Albuquerque Biological Park
Total: 2 (1.1)

Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA, United States
  • 1.0 Kai (Kibo x Ngozi) 08/08/2009 at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Total: 1 (1.0)

Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
  • 1.0 Niru (Triston x Etana) 06/13/2016 at Bioparc Valencia
  • 1.0 Kuuma (Niru x Pili) 09/25/2024 at Hattiesburg Zoo
  • 0.1 Pili (Dubu x Smilla) 04/30/2020 at Albuquerque Biological Park
  • 0.1 Cazimira (Niru x Pili) 10/13/2023 at Hattiesburg Zoo
Total: 4 (2.2)

Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens - Milwaukee, WI, United States
  • 1.0 Scruffy (Gus x Grubbie) 01/08/1999 at Buffalo Zoo
  • 0.1 Nyota (Isoke x Siri) 06/19/2009 at Buffalo Zoo
Total: 2 (1.1)

Oakland Zoo - Oakland, CA, United States
  • 1.0 Ozzy (Bramble x Nairobi) 09/08/2007 at University of California, Berkeley
  • 0.1 Harley (Robie x Scooter) 06/05/2007 at University of California, Berkeley
Total: 2 (1.1)

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden - Oklahoma City, OK, United States
  • 1.0 Nogazi (? x ?) 08/15/2014 at ?
  • 0.1 Illanga (? x ?) 01/01/2014 at ?
Total: 2 (1.1)

Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ, United States
  • 0.1 Tamu (Turbo x Cass) 11/05/2002 at University of California, Berkeley
  • 0.1 Taziki (Buster x Tamu) 01/26/2008 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Total: 2 (0.2)

Rolling Hills Zoo - Salina, KS, United States
  • 1.0 Kito (Niru x Pili) 10/17/2022 at Hattiesburg Zoo
  • 0.1 Maxi (Stinky x Jesabel) 10/25/2012 at Pairi Daiza
Total: 2 (1.1)

Saint Louis Zoological Park - Saint Louis, MO, United States
  • 1.0 Tembo (Bramble x Ursa) 09/01/2006 at University of California, Berkeley
  • 0.1 Haji (Moja x Nairobi) 11/22/2006 at University of California, Berkeley
Total: 2 (1.1)

San Antonio Zoo - San Antonio, TX, United States
  • 1.0 Shinzee (? x ?) 06/01/2013 at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
  • 0.1 Jelani (Eddie x Shenzi) 10/02/2016 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Total: 2 (1.1)

Sunset Zoological Park, Manhattan, KS, United States
  • 1.0 Nia (Eddie x Shenzi) 06/11/2014 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
  • 0.1 Kiira (Multiple: Dave or Kitano x Dara) 11/27/2013 at Zoologischer Garten Leipzig
Total: 2 (1.1)

Toronto Zoo, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • 1.0 Echo (? x ?) 08/05/2009 at Pride of Africa Wildlife Solutions
  • 0.1 Pinduli (Kibo x Ngozi) 01/19/2006 at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
  • 0.1 Kanzi (Isoke x Taz) 03/23/2012 at Buffalo Zoo
Total: 3 (1.2)

Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ, United States
  • 1.0 Kijani (Dubu x Smilla) 04/30/2020 at Albuquerque Biological Park
  • 0.1 Kamaria (Multiple: Dave or Kitano x Dara) 11/27/2013 at Zoologischer Garten Leipzig
Total: 2 (1.1)

Zoo Miami - Miami, FL, United States
  • 1.0 Obi (Badu x Lulonga) 09/03/2015 at Zoo Osnabrück
  • 0.1 Havoc (Dubu x Smilla) 08/08/2018 at Albuquerque Biological Park
Total: 2 (1.1)
 
Last edited:
Jaxton said:
Here is the current AZA-accredited population as of July 6, 2025. Please feel free to point out any errors:

Total: 41 (20.21)
Facilities: 21

Africam Safari Park - Puebla, PU, Mexico
  • 1.0 ? (? x ?) ? at ?
Total: 1 (1.0)

Albuquerque Biological Park - Albuquerque, NM, United States
  • 1.0 Dubu (Multiple: Turbo or Zephyr x Ursa) 03/06/2003 at University of California, Berkeley
  • 0.1 Smilla (? x ?) 01/01/2008 at Wild Unknown
Total: 2 (1.1)

Bronx Zoo - Bronx, NY, United States
  • 1.0 Robie (Bramble x Nairobi) 10/30/2002 at University of California, Berkeley
Total: 1 (1.0)

Buffalo Zoo - Buffalo, NY, United States
  • 0.1 Taz (Wild x Wild) 06/01/2007 at Wild Tanzania
Total: 1 (0.1)

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa, FL, United States
  • 1.0 Mandazi (Makali x Taziki) 04/03/2016 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • 0.1 Maboga (Makali x Taziki) 10/30/2016 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Total: 2 (1.1)

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Columbus, OH, United States
  • 1.0 Shenzi (Eddie x Shenzi) 11/19/2014 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
  • 0.1 Banzai (Eddie x Shenzi) 11/19/2014 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Total: 2 (1.1)

Denver Zoological Gardens - Denver, CO, United States
  • 1.0 Kelele (Grungie x Taz) 06/26/2014 at Buffalo Zoo
  • 0.1 Tavi (Eddie x Shenzi) 06/11/2014 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Total: 2 (1.1)

Fort Wayne Zoo - Fort Wayne, IN, United States
  • 1.0 Askari (Kibo x Ngozi) 11/14/2006 at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
  • 0.1 Ruckus (Dubu x Smilla) 08/08/2014 at Albuquerque Biological Park
Total: 2 (1.1)

Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA, United States
  • 1.0 Kai (Kibo x Ngozi) 08/08/2009 at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Total: 1 (1.0)

Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
  • 1.0 Niru (Triston x Etana) 06/13/2016 at Bioparc Valencia
  • 1.0 Kuuma (Niru x Pili) 09/25/2024 at Hattiesburg Zoo
  • 0.1 Pili (Dubu x Smilla) 04/30/2020 at Albuquerque Biological Park
  • 0.1 Cazimira (Niru x Pili) 10/13/2023 at Hattiesburg Zoo
Total: 4 (2.2)

Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens - Milwaukee, WI, United States
  • 1.0 Scruffy (Gus x Grubbie) 01/08/1999 at Buffalo Zoo
  • 0.1 Nyota (Isoke x Siri) 06/19/2009 at Buffalo Zoo
Total: 2 (1.1)

Oakland Zoo - Oakland, CA, United States
  • 1.0 Ozzy (Bramble x Nairobi) 09/08/2007 at University of California, Berkeley
  • 0.1 Harley (Robie x Scooter) 06/05/2007 at University of California, Berkeley
Total: 2 (1.1)

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden - Oklahoma City, OK, United States
  • 1.0 Nogazi (? x ?) 08/15/2014 at ?
  • 0.1 Illanga (? x ?) 01/01/2014 at ?
Total: 2 (1.1)

Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ, United States
  • 0.1 Tamu (Turbo x Cass) 11/05/2002 at University of California, Berkeley
  • 0.1 Taziki (Buster x Tamu) 01/26/2008 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Total: 2 (0.2)

Rolling Hills Zoo - Salina, KS, United States
  • 1.0 Kito (Niru x Pili) 10/17/2022 at Hattiesburg Zoo
  • 0.1 Maxi (Stinky x Jesabel) 10/25/2012 at Pairi Daiza
Total: 2 (1.1)

Saint Louis Zoological Park - Saint Louis, MO, United States
  • 1.0 Tembo (Bramble x Ursa) 09/01/2006 at University of California, Berkeley
  • 0.1 Haji (Moja x Nairobi) 11/22/2006 at University of California, Berkeley
Total: 2 (1.1)

San Antonio Zoo - San Antonio, TX, United States
  • 1.0 Shinzee (? x ?) 06/01/2013 at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
  • 0.1 Jelani (Eddie x Shenzi) 10/02/2016 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Total: 2 (1.1)

Sunset Zoological Park, Manhattan, KS, United States
  • 1.0 Nia (Eddie x Shenzi) 06/11/2014 at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
  • 0.1 Kiira (Multiple: Dave or Kitano x Dara) 11/27/2013 at Zoologischer Garten Leipzig
Total: 2 (1.1)

Toronto Zoo, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • 1.0 Echo (? x ?) 08/05/2009 at Pride of Africa Wildlife Solutions
  • 0.1 Pinduli (Kibo x Ngozi) 01/19/2006 at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
  • 0.1 Kanzi (Isoke x Taz) 03/23/2012 at Buffalo Zoo
Total: 3 (1.2)

Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ, United States
  • 1.0 Kijani (Dubu x Smilla) 04/30/2020 at Albuquerque Biological Park
  • 0.1 Kamaria (Multiple: Dave or Kitano x Dara) 11/27/2013 at Zoologischer Garten Leipzig
Total: 2 (1.1)

Zoo Miami - Miami, FL, United States
  • 1.0 Obi (Badu x Lulonga) 09/03/2015 at Zoo Osnabrück
  • 0.1 Havoc (Dubu x Smilla) 08/08/2018 at Albuquerque Biological Park
Total: 2 (1.1)
Click to expand...
Thanks for this list!

Surprising to see the lack of breeding - with only two facilities essentially breeding in the last decade (ABQ and Hattiesburg). The population's also quite small for the number of holders; with about two individuals per facility.

Considering Hyenas can live in large family clans (with females remaining within their natal clan), it would be great to see an influx of breeding to boost up numbers; especially within an ageing population.
 
Thomas said:
I heard the Memphis Zoo and the Kansas City Zoo plan to acquire Hyenas.
Click to expand...

There are several zoos reportedly interested in hyenas, but the population size is currently inhibiting most places from adding them.

Jambo said:
Surprising to see the lack of breeding - with only two facilities essentially breeding in the last decade (ABQ and Hattiesburg).
Click to expand...

A fair number of animals in the population are spayed/neutered, which isn't helping the situation. At the current moment it is highly unlikely for most places holding them to actually have even a decent chance at breeding.

Jambo said:
Considering Hyenas can live in large family clans (with females remaining within their natal clan), it would be great to see an influx of breeding to boost up numbers
Click to expand...

Apparently there have been various attempts within the AZA to house more than a pair together, with very little success. Any females housed together apparently have to be siblings or introduced when very young. Which given the current status of the population is essentially impossible. Multiple males with a female has also not worked. It is a point of continued research and careful attempting.
 
Great Argus said:
Apparently there have been various attempts within the AZA to house more than a pair together, with very little success. Any females housed together apparently have to be siblings or introduced when very young. Which given the current status of the population is essentially impossible. Multiple males with a female has also not worked. It is a point of continued research and careful attempting.
Click to expand...

I’ve observed similar within the Australian population. The largest cohesive pack at present is seven hyena, with an eighth (newborn cub) to be introduced. The mothers were born 2017 and 2020 and were introduced in 2023, along with a male. The females each produced 1.1 cubs in 2024, with a full integration subsequently achieved.

At another Australian zoo, an imported female was introduced to two brothers. She accepted (and bred) with one, but rejected the other, who cannot be housed with their pair and their offspring.

They’re a complex species and females are particular volatile. The above pack of seven/eight I mention will not necessarily be able to be held as a cohesive pack long term, especially as the yearling cubs mature.
 
Thomas said:
What are Zoos doing now about this?
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Not a lot, far as I can tell. The population has long depended on imports to maintain itself, with breeding being relatively uncommon at best. It is unclear what will happen at this time, there is interest but more than half the population is over the age of 15 and even a couple imports per year is not enough to offset the decline. They are very likely to dwindle out unless significant concentrated effort is made.
 
PSO said:
There's many more in non-AZA facilities. Carson Springs alone has at least a half dozen on display.
Click to expand...

This is true - Carson Springs apparently has 10 currently and several in the AZA came from there. I do wonder how many of the non-AZA are actually breeding vs holding though, given the relatively longer lifespan of hyenas. A couple facilities could relatively easily keep places supplied with display animals.
 
Thomas said:
I heard the Memphis Zoo and the Kansas City Zoo plan to acquire Hyenas.
Click to expand...

Sacramento’s new Elk Grove Zoo was planning on having a Hyena/Wild Dog rotational exhibit, and Nashville has plans for a Cheetah/Hyena rotation exhibit in their new African River project, but unfortunately the new Elk Grove Zoo has been scrapped entirely, and Nashville’s African River exhibit might not be happening for a long while now.
 
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