Having Hyenas: The Ancient Tradition of Feeding Demon-Warding Creatures in Ethiopia’s Harar

In the ancient city of Harar in eastern Ethiopia, a unique tradition has been taking place for centuries: people feed hyenas in exchange for their help in cleaning the streets and warding off demons. As night falls, these animals gather in the city, eagerly awaiting their usual feeding session. One of the locals who takes part in this ritual is Abbas Yusuf, who has developed a close relationship with the hyenas and even named them.

Despite their negative reputation in other parts of Ethiopia and Africa, hyenas are accepted and encouraged in Harar. They play a valuable role as the city’s garbage disposal system by emerging at night through gates in the city walls to feed on food scraps thrown on the streets. Abbas learned this tradition from his father and has continued it ever since, caring for the animals when they are injured and naming them. Many in Harar believe that hyenas can protect them from demons.

The Ethiopian government is looking to capitalize on this unique relationship between Abbas and the hyenas to promote tourism. Plans are underway to replace the feeding site with a $2.5 million eco-park that will feature shops, cafes, and a museum. However, this project could potentially threaten the delicate balance between humans and hyenas in Harar as new structures may disrupt their feeding patterns. The coexistence of these two species is being closely monitored as the city looks to attract more visitors while maintaining this ancient tradition.