Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

[Pckts]

Does This Picture Scare You, surrounded by 5 Hungry Hyenas ??

Hyena Feeding Ceremony in Harar, Ethiopia.

There is this Black Muslim Tribe , who started this practice of Feeding The Wild Hyena as a part of Entertainment of the King of Harar about 3-4 hundred years ago. They Call the wild Hyenas in a unique voice on some particular days of the month, just outside the Jungle . They come and wait like pet dogs , the Handler feeds them first then invites the tourists to come one by one and feed Meat Strips under his watchful eyes. They charge you a fee of $25 per person, for the show. There is no light but Jeep lights are kept on to make them fully visible. They never tell you the secret and the Hyenas go back to the jungle after the feed.

This is illegal but the Govt. turns a blind eye as this is Centuries old practice and a source of earning for otherwise this poor tribe ! Last year I learnt that this man in the picture was attacked and killed by The Pack of Hyenas. But there is already someone who has taken over and show is still going on!!

Pictured at Harar, Eastern Ethiopia, Africa. August'2014.
DOP: 1st February'2016

*This image is copyright of its original author

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