November 4, 2009
Finding a way to coexist with hyenas in Ethiopia

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.

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3 comments

#3

IT HAS BEEN A TRADITION OF HARAR FOR MANY YEARS.LET’S TOURISTS FLOCK TO VISIT THIS HISTORIC CITY OF MY BIRTH PLACE-HARAR.THANKS.

#2

An intelligent attitude of sufficient abundance and mutual understanding results in fearless unity.

#1

I don’t know about child safety, but it looks like a good way to get rid of your enemies. :)

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