South Sudan’s wildlife authorities said they will relocate a hyena spotted roaming a residential area of the capital, Juba, after a video of the animal circulating on social media raised public concern.
The video, widely shared on Wednesday evening, showed the hyena moving along Ministries Road near the J1 area, a district that houses government offices and residences.
Maj. Gen. Khamis Adiang Diing, director-general of wildlife conservation and tourism, told Radio Tamazuj that the animal had been raised by a private owner since it was a cub in Juba’s Hong Kong neighbourhood.
“The hyena will be removed from the residential area and relocated to Badingilo National Park, where it can live in a more suitable natural environment,” Adiang said.
He said wildlife officials would oversee the transfer on Friday and ensure the animal was safely relocated.
Adiang said keeping wild animals such as hyenas in populated areas violates wildlife regulations and poses risks to both residents and the animals.
“The relocation will be conducted by wildlife professionals to ensure the safety and welfare of both the animal and the public,” he said.
The incident has renewed concerns over the private ownership of wild animals in urban areas and prompted calls for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
Adiang urged people keeping wild animals to comply with national regulations and ensure they are properly managed to prevent conflicts between humans and wildlife.
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