Finding a way to coexist with hyenas in Ethiopia

Finding a way to coexist with hyenas in Ethiopia

World Focus

In his recent reporting trip to Ethiopia, Worldfocus special correspondent Martin Seemungal encountered an unusual sight. On the outskirts of Harar — an ancient city in the eastern part of the country — Seemungal filmed an Ethiopian known as “Hyena Man,” who hand-fed bits of raw meat to wild hyenas. A throng of Western tourists looked on in amazement.

According to local lore, the tradition began as a way to prevent hyenas from attacking local children by keeping them outside of the city. Today, it’s a way to make a living from Ethiopia’s small tourist trade.