Mini Hyena Turns To Thank Rescuer Before Returning To The Wild

Mini Hyena Turns To Thank Rescuer Before Returning To The Wild
A rescue aardwolf cub that looks like a "mini hyena" said goodbye to her rescuers in a sweet way, by turning to say "thank you" before heading off into the wilderness.
The little aardwolf cub was found on a farm in Johannesburg, South Africa. The people who found her searched for days, but couldn't find a mom in sight and they knew the cub needed help or she wouldn't survive.

They decided to call a wildlife vet named Lauren with the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital and it was the perfect thing to do.
In an interview with The Dodo, Lauren explained that the tiny aardwolf cub, who looked just like a "mini hyena," lived in her home at first. She was underweight and dehydrated and needed special attention and care.

Lauren became "Mom" to the tiny cub as she bottle-fed her and taught her the ways of being an aardwolf.
Aardwolfs are related to the hyena, but instead of eating larger mammals, they stick to eating insects. Lauren helped Maple get outside and eat insects on her own, and after four long months together, it was time to say goodbye.

Maple's release was filmed, and Lauren said of the video: "I'm pretty sure she was turning around to say thank you. When I look at that, I see gratitude."
You can see more in the video below, courtesy of The Dodo:
Malorie Thompson

Malorie works as a writer and editor in Northern California. She's passionate about food, conscious living, animal welfare, and conservation. She's worked with a variety of publications in different sectors but is happiest covering topics close to her heart. When not at her laptop, Malorie can be found enjoying picnics on the beach, hiking in the redwoods, and spending time with her rescue pup, Jax.

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