DESCRIPTION:
The only captive colony of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the world is located in the Berkeley Hills of California. It consists of roughly 20 individuals.

Unfortunately, there is little current funding for the research station, and they may have to shut down soon. (Funding ends in January 2012 at this time.)

Dr. Stephen Glickman and numerous other researchers and staff have managed the project for almost three decades (starting in 1985).

Spotted hyenas are gender benders where the females dominate and sport an enlarged phallus like clitoris. Their endocrinology and reproductive strategy is apparently unique among mammals.

The fascinating social animals live in large groups and hunt cooperatively. The species has inspired novel research into sexual development, aggression, social communication, endocrinology, and neuroscience.

Females dominate and the males cringe nervously. Hyena jaws are second to none at crushing bones. Happily ripping through rotting meat without health risks, they are immune to anthrax.

They inspire dread and revulsion, most of it unwarranted, among humans.

The research station has sent 41 captive born hyenas to zoos around the world. If funding runs out, they will try to place the animals at zoos but many of the highly intelligent hyenas may end up euthanized. A dismal ending to a stellar research station.

As Mary Weldele, an assistant specialist at the colony, puts it, "It will be a loss to science if this unique colony closes down due to lack of funds. There is still much work that can be done, and an amazing array of scientists who are interested in continuing this research."

My great thanks to Steve Glickman and Mary Weldele for letting me meet and videotape the hyenas of the Berkeley Hills.

[My own question: In a country that spends trillions bailing out bankers and fighting endless wars, how is it that there is a lack of funds for important scientific and medical research?]