HOEDSPRUIT EMERGENCY: Hurt hyena bet on the right humans when it collapsed at this Limpopo lodge
What thoughts passed through the mind of a badly injured hyena that sought refuge in the bedroom of a private game reserve near Kruger National Park? Was it looking for help? Or, simply disorientated and exhausted by the agonising pain of a wire snare slicing through its belly and back?
On May 27, a hyena with a snare wound on its belly and back sought refuge in the bedroom of Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge, a private game reserve near Kruger National Park in Limpopo province. Lodge owner Garth Wolff recounted the incident, stating that the hyena had been spotted earlier in the 10,000-hectare reserve, about 10km south of Hoedspruit.
When rangers attempted to capture the animal, it retreated into a nearby lodge bedroom, where it lay down quietly. Wildscapes veterinary consultancy arrived on the scene and used a dart gun to tranquillise the hyena, allowing them to cut away the snare and clean its wounds. The hyena was reportedly very lucky, as the cuts had penetrated deeply into its skin, risking organ damage.
After a brief period of recovery, the animal wandered back into the bush. Some experts believe the hyena may have sought out humans for help, while others suggest it acted out of instinct. Regardless, the hyena has been observed in good health since the incident.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
