HATTIESBURG, Miss. ( WHLT ) – Officials with the Hattiesburg Zoo announced the birth of a new hyena cub.

The cub was born on September 25 at 11:00 p.m. to mother Pili and father Niru. Both mother and cub are doing well.

“Pili has proven herself to be a wonderful mom to all of her cubs, and her instincts with this cub have been equally strong,” said Kristen Moore, Director of Animal Care. “Pili is nursing the cub and they are bonding appropriately.”

Pili and Niru’s first cub. Kito, was born at the Hattiesburg Zoo on October 17, 2022. The Hattiesburg Zoo, in cooperation with the Species Survival Plan (SSP) announced in late September 2023 that Kito was being relocated to the Rolling Hills Zoo in Kansas where he will eventually be a part of a breeding pair.

A second set of twin cubs were born October 13, 2023, but only one cub, Cazimira (Cazi) survived. Cazimira is less than one week from celebrating her first birthday at the Hattiesburg Zoo.

“We have been in discussion with the SSP about strategically placing Cazi as she will also be a part of the hyena breeding program at the appropriate time,” said Moore.

In anticipation of the arrival of the newest cub, plans have been underway to move Cazi in early 2025.

Cazi has seen the cub and interacted with it through the mesh of their indoor living area. Face-to-face introductions between Pili, Cazi and the new cub will begin in a few weeks and will take place in short increments. Interaction with Niru will take place after keepers are comfortable with the first introductions.

The gender of the cub will be revealed in early 2025.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.