Rescue Hyena Phiri

Though surrounded by more than 90 big cats, Phiri still makes his presence known. At night, once the lions finish roaring, he adds his unmistakable “whoop whoop”, a sound that can travel up to five kilometres and reach nearly 112 decibels, almost as loud as a lion’s roar.

Phiri was rescued in January 2010 from poor conditions in a Jordanian zoo and taken to the New Hope Centre of the Princess Alia Foundation before arriving at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary later that year. His exact age and origin are unknown, though it is believed he was born in Africa.

Now thriving in a species appropriate environment, Phiri enjoys exploring his enclosure, taking part in sensory enrichment activities, and receiving the occasional egg treat. Keepers say he especially enjoys sniffing and rolling in “lucky packets” filled with natural scents, including animal droppings, similar to the behaviour of hyenas in the wild.

By day, Phiri is often seen trotting playfully in the sun. By night, he becomes the sanctuary’s unofficial announcer, his powerful whoops echoing across the Highveld as a wild voice finally living freely.