Culture & Sports
08:36, 19-Jul-2017
Ethiopian animal activist encourages respect for hyenas
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By CGTN Africa
Hyena jaws are strong – ten times as powerful as a human's. Yet Abbas Yusuf isn't worried about being bitten.
Instead, he is more concerned with the hyenas being pushed out of Harar, Ethiopia as the city expands.
CGTN Photo
CGTN Photo
Hyenas live in caves outside Harar and roam the rubbish dumps. Known as the "hyena man", Abbas is comfortable around the scavengers. His skills are attracting local and international tourists, keen to learn more about these animals.
"I learnt these skills from my father. He worked with hyenas for 40 years. I grew up with them like family members. I'm not scared of any of them," said Abbas Yusuf.
Abbas has named the hyenas, based on their behavior and appearance.
Harar was founded in the 7th century. Every year, to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammed, residents offer the hyenas porridge mixed with butter and goat meat. If the hyenas refuse the sacrifice, people believe bad luck will befall the city.
8016km