Hyena gives birth to twin cubs at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

The hyena gave birth to twin cubs at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, adding to the facility's growing wildlife population. The successful delivery demonstrates the zoo's capability in managing large carnivore breeding programmes and contributes to species conservation efforts in the region.

The cubs were born to a hyena that arrived at the zoo as part of a comprehensive animal transfer initiative. In 2024, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo acquired three hyenas, two jackals, two marsh crocodiles, and two palm civets from Shivamogga Zoological Park in Karnataka. This inter-zoo exchange programme aimed to enhance genetic diversity and strengthen breeding populations across India's zoological institutions.

The arrival of these species expanded the zoo's collection and created opportunities for breeding programmes that benefit both individual facilities and broader wildlife conservation goals. The successful hyena birth represents validation of the zoo's animal husbandry practices and veterinary care standards.

Zoo officials have indicated that the cubs are progressing well under maternal care. The births underscore the importance of coordinated animal management between zoological institutions across states, facilitating sustainable populations of species in captive settings while supporting conservation awareness among visitors.