HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Another spotted hyena cub has arrived at the Hattiesburg Zoo.
The single cub was born overnight June 7 to mother Pili and father Niru. Pili and the cub are both doing well.
The cub is the fourth surviving offspring for the pair, which has become the most successful breeding pair in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for spotted hyenas. In October 2023, Pili gave birth to twin cubs, but only one survived.
All of the pair’s previous cubs have been transferred to other zoos to support spotted hyena conservation efforts.
The cub currently weighs 1.75 kilograms, just under 4 pounds. Hyena cubs are born with their eyes open and a full set of teeth, so early development happens quickly. Zoo staff will monitor the cub’s growth and milestones.
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The cub’s sex will be determined through a blood test, so the Hattiesburg Zoo’s newest resident has not yet been named.
Guests may catch a glimpse of Pili and her cub, but the pair will primarily remain behind the scenes for the next week.
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