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Summary of Description:
Ngozi, the spotted hyena, who turned 24 on May 2, has become one of the oldest spotted hyenas in AZA-accredited facilities. She is aging well, has become more playful, interacts with her animal care team, and enjoys her fun snacks and extra enrichment. Denver Zoo‘s animal care team treated her to some of her favorite foods, including liver, pork, chicken meat, meat ice treats, and chicken jello, to celebrate this milestone birthday.
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Denver Zoo Celebrates Ngozi’s Milestone Birthday
The Denver Zoo recently celebrated the milestone birthday of one of its spotted hyenas, Ngozi. At 24 years old, Ngozi is one of the oldest spotted hyenas in AZA-accredited facilities and has been well-cared for by the animal care specialists at the zoo. On May 2, Ngozi’s birthday was celebrated with her favorite treats, including meat, ice treats, and chicken jello.
Aging Well with a Sweet but Sassy Personality
Ngozi has aged well and has become more playful and interactive with her animal care team. Her sweet but sassy personality makes the animal care specialists and visitors fall in love with her. According to the animal care team, Ngozi has started interacting with her animal care team more and enjoys her fun snacks and extra enrichment.
Diet and Enrichment
Ngozi’s excellent animal care is a contributing factor to her longevity. In addition to her favorite treats, she is provided a balanced diet prescribed by the animal care team to ensure she gets the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. She also receives regular enrichment to keep her mind engaged, such as puzzle feeders and scent enrichment, simulating her natural environment.
Hyenas in the Wild
Hyenas are native to Africa and some parts of Asia. They are considered one of the most fascinating creatures in wildlife due to their unique features and unconventional behavior. They live in large packs of up to 80 individuals with a matriarchal system where the females dominate. Hyenas are scavengers who feed on dead prey or hunt larger herbivores in a group. Although they are often portrayed as cowardly scavengers, hyenas play an essential role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion and controlling the population of herbivores.
Conservation Efforts
Spotted hyenas are listed as ‘least concern‘ under the IUCN Red List, but their population is decreasing due to human activities such as habitat loss, hunting, and poaching. The Denver Zoo participates in conservation efforts to raise awareness and support for hyenas in the wild. They contribute to research and conservation programs to protect their habitat and prevent illegal activities such as poaching.
Conclusion
Celebrating Ngozi’s 24th birthday is a testament to the excellent animal care provided by the Denver Zoo’s animal care team. The zoo’s commitment to providing a balanced diet and regular enrichment ensures that Ngozi and other animals at the zoo remain healthy and happy. The conservation programs the zoo participates in are vital in protecting hyenas in the wild, preserving their natural habitats, and raising awareness. Happy belated birthday, Ngozi, and thank you, animal care specialists, for all you do!
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Source Description
Please join us in wishing Ngozi the spotted hyena, a pleased belated birthday! Ngozi turned 24 on May 2, making her one of the oldest spotted hyenas in AZA-accredited facilities. Thanks to the excellent animal care she receives here at Denver Zoo, we’re happy to say she’s aging well! Our animal care specialists share that in addition to her sweet but sassy personality, she’s also become more playful, has started interacting with her animal care team more, and is enjoying her fun snacks and extra enrichment. To celebrate this milestone birthday, her animal care team treated her to some of her favorite foods: liver, pork, chicken meat, meat ice treats, and chicken jello. Happy Birthday, Ngozi!
Video Credit: Animal Care Specialist Jordan S.
