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Across parts of the Lake Zone, long-standing cultural practices involving the keeping of hyenas continue to attract public debate, especially following recent media coverage showing how some communities still maintain these animals as part of inherited traditions passed from generation to generation.
Culture remains a fundamental pillar of identity. It preserves history, strengthens social cohesion and reflects the wisdom of ancestors.
However, it also raises an important and increasingly urgent question: should all traditional practices continue unchanged, even when they conflict with modern understanding of animal welfare and environmental conservation?
The hyena is a wild animal by nature. It is biologically adapted to roam long distances, hunt and scavenge across wide landscapes, communicate within complex social groups, and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance.
Confining such an animal through ropes, chains or controlled environments fundamentally alters its natural behaviour and limits its freedom.
While some may view such practices as cultural preservation, conservationists argue that the welfare of the animal must also be considered.
Hyenas, like all wildlife species, cannot express suffering in human terms. Yet absence of voice does not mean absence of distress.
Their needs are defined by instinct, space and natural habitat, all of which are compromised when they are kept in captivity for cultural display or entertainment.
Wildlife experts continue to emphasize the ecological importance of hyenas. Often misunderstood and unfairly portrayed in a negative light, hyenas are among nature’s most efficient scavengers.
They help dispose of carcasses in the wild, reducing the risk of disease spread and contributing to ecosystem cleanliness and balance.
When removed from their natural environment and confined for human purposes, the impact goes beyond the individual animal. It also disrupts ecological processes that depend on their presence in the wild.
This, however, does not mean culture should be dismissed. Cultural heritage is valuable and should be preserved.
The challenge lies in finding a balance between respecting tradition and aligning it with contemporary knowledge on conservation and animal welfare.
There are alternative ways to preserve and celebrate cultural identity without involving the confinement of wild animals.
Oral storytelling, cultural documentation, community exhibitions, museums and educational programmes can all serve as platforms for passing traditions to younger generations in a more ethical and sustainable way.
As societies evolve, so too should the way traditions are interpreted and practiced. Increasing awareness of wildlife rights and environmental protection calls for reflection on practices that may no longer align with current ethical standards.
Hyenas, like other wild animals including elephants, lions and zebras, are not meant to live under restraint for human entertainment or cultural display.
They are an essential part of the natural ecosystem and deserve to live freely in their natural habitats.
Ultimately, the question remains for society to answer: should future generations inherit traditions that involve animals in chains, or should they inherit a country where wildlife is respected, protected and allowed to live freely?
