A Curious Encounter: Baby Hyena Approaches Humans for a Closer Look

It was an unforgettable moment during our time in the South African bush—a young hyena, full of curiosity, approached our game-viewing vehicle. The little creature ventured close, sniffing the air, seemingly trying to figure out what kind of strange beings we were. For a brief moment, it locked eyes with us, its innocence a reminder of the wild’s wonders. As humans, we felt like the odd ones, observed by a creature more familiar with its surroundings than we could ever be.

This close encounter with the baby hyena got us reflecting on our role within nature’s complex system. We firmly believe that hunting is a natural process—a predator chasing prey is an intrinsic part of life’s cycle. Hunting maintains balance, ensuring that populations remain healthy, and ecosystems stay intact. However, hunting large predators presents an ethical challenge. Predators like lions, leopards, and even hyenas don’t always have the instinct to flee from humans. Without that natural impulse, hunting them becomes less of a fair pursuit, as there’s no true challenge or balance in the interaction.

Within the reserve, we approach the hunting of large predators with great care and only under specific, justifiable conditions. Such hunts are rare and may occur for reasons such as genetic management, controlling predator overpopulation to protect prey species, addressing dangerous behavior in predators, or managing disease outbreaks. But hunting a predator that doesn’t naturally fear humans would undermine the very principles of fair chase and respect for the natural order.

Our interaction with the baby hyena, a young predator just beginning to explore the world, reminded us of the delicate balance we strive to maintain. Ethical hunting is part of that balance, but it must be carried out with respect and deep understanding. We must recognize our place within nature—not as conquerors, but as stewards of a beautiful system that demands fairness and responsibility.