Brown Hyenas Arrive at Newquay Zoo for the First Time

Flo and Quinn become South West’s only brown hyenas

Newquay Zoo has become home to two of the rarest carnivores on the planet, following the arrival of a young pair of endangered brown hyenas – making it the only zoo in the South West, and one of just two in the UK, to house the elusive species.

Flo and Quinn explore new enclosure

Siblings Flo and Quinn arrived from Hamerton Zoo Park on Tuesday 15th July, and are already settling into their new enclosure. The space was specially adapted after previously housing the zoo’s lions, who have since moved to Paignton Zoo, part of the same Wild Planet Trust.

At just under two years old, the pair are already being described as a major summer attraction for visitors, giving people a rare chance to see this secretive species up close.

John Meek, Curator of Plants and Animals, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome brown hyenas to Newquay Zoo. They are one of Africa’s least understood carnivores – shy, solitary and beautifully adapted for survival in some of the toughest environments on Earth. For people to be able to see them, up close, is a powerful reminder of why zoo conservation matters.”

📷Brown hyenas Quinn - Photo credit: Helen Black Photography

The world’s rarest hyenas

Also known as strandwolves, brown hyenas (Parahyaena brunnea) are the rarest of the four hyena species, with fewer than 5,000 thought to remain in the wild. Native to southern Africa, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming carcasses that help prevent disease and return nutrients to the environment.

With their shaggy coats, strong jaws and excellent sense of smell, these scavengers are adapted to thrive in harsh conditions. They’re known to consume nearly every part of a carcass, including bone, but will also eat fruit, insects and eggs.

Compared to spotted or striped hyenas, the brown hyena is far less studied and considered the most endangered of them all.

Supporting global conservation

Newquay Zoo, part of the Wild Planet Trust, is involved in a wide range of conservation work both in the UK and overseas, including projects in southern Africa – the natural habitat of brown hyenas. The Trust also supports breeding programmes and educational outreach, including recent successes with critically endangered cotton-top tamarins and participation in a European lynx rewilding programme.

Every visit helps support this work. To find out more, or to book your visit, head to Newquay Zoo’s website.

Visitor info

• Opening hours: Daily from 10am (current closing time 5.00pm, last admission 4.00pm)

• Admission:

  • Adults: £19.00

  • Children (3–15): £14.25

  • Children (1–2): £2.75

  • Under 12 months: Free

  • Carer with paying guest: Free

  • Group rates: From £9.75 per person

• Facilities: On-site parking (Cornwall Council carpark), full accessibility, food and retail options available

Visitors are encouraged to book in advance online. Gift Aid ticket options help raise additional funding at no extra cost to the guest.

📷Brown hyenas Flo - Photo credit: Helen Black Photography

📷Photo credit: Helen Black Photography