BY: NADIA ZAIDI
Like a scene from the Jungle Book, men in Nigeria can be seen walking around the streets with hyenas, and hence have been coined the ‘Hyena Men.’ And it’s not only hyenas that they handle. Pythons and monkeys are also part of their entourage.
These men are a group of performers who use these animals to entertain people and sell traditional medicine to locals. The tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.
The animals are made to perform dangerous tricks. Hyenas can be seen hugging their trainers, while baboons wearing football shirts collect money from audiences. They are part of these intricate and dangerous performances. They can be seen staring in the faces of poisonous reptiles, and handling wild animals as though it’s second nature.
The ability to perform with wild animals begins from childhood. Children are trained to handle them, in part because of an indigenous tradition of drinking potions that are believed to ignite bravery and rid fear. It’s also rooted in deep beliefs that they are spiritually connected with the animals they are trained to tame.
These men grow up with these animals. They feed them, train them and reprimand them. It’s almost like a familial relationship. But that doesn’t mean that it’s exactly humane.
Various animal charities around the world campaign against the captivity of wild animals, and plead to introduce laws that will stop them. The animals are forced to enact rituals and behaviors that aren’t otherwise natural to them. The charities ask tourists not to facilitate the practice by giving money.
The hyenas can be seen chained to the ground, while snakes are placed in tiny boxes. The animals aren’t properly fed or well-kept, as they are living in unsanitary, unsupervised environments and are susceptible to killings by locals who don’t believe in the practice.
Eventually, many of the tamed animals are sold to affluent Nigerian families who keep them for their children. The animals are given the same potions that are consumed by their tamers.
Hyena men are nomadic and notoriously difficult to find. They make temporary homes in dirt-ridden areas of Nigeria, and eventually perform in surrounding cities. There is no access to drinking water, waste disposal or electricity. Local street gangs act as vigilantes for their land. They are often weary of the Hyena men because they are possessive of their turfs. The Hyena men use their animals to ward off gang members.
Locals believe that the Hyena men possess supernatural powers because of their abilities to preform and tame wild animals. They pay them for voodoo charms, amulets and medicine. Since many Nigerians believe in evil spirits and witches, they believe the Hyena men have powers that can ward them off.
The Hyena men are mainly married with children. Their families are heavily involved in their business. The minute children are born, they are washed with mixtures of herbal medication and fed in order to instill the abilities to handle their dangerous companions. Like father, like son.