We’ve seen circus performers put on a show in the company of several fierce and scary animals, however, the phenomenon of ‘Hyena Men’ in the northern part of Nigeria seems to bring even more chills.
These men who create public spectacles with wild animals such as hyenas and baboons do so without any safety nets or barriers to protect the surrounding crowd.
In a typical show, the hyenas are seen “hugging” their tamers and sitting on command. For the baboons, they can be seen wearing football shirts taking money from onlookers in wild animal shows in Nigeria.
The dancing ‘hyena men’ make the hyenas spin around before they jump into their arms and snake handlers shock crowds by putting their faces dangerously close to poisonous reptiles.
The fascinating crew of young men go from city to city with their band of three hyenas, four baboons and two rock pythons and they have earned huge admiration for their showmanship.
Across the country, the young men thrill teeming audiences, usually gathered in compounds and by streets. These are paid performances. They can get their hyenas to sit, stand, hug and whatever pleases the fancy of those watching.
The snakes may be wrapped around the body or an arm. And if a performer wanted to get more gasps, they bring the poisonous reptiles close to their face.
Children are trained to tame the wild animals from birth, being fed potions the nomads believe enables them to handle them without fear of harm. The hyenas are kept chained and muzzled, while snakes live in boxes and containers.
Some of the tamed animals are sold to rich Nigerian families who keep them for their children, while others are used in touring performances that incorporate dancing, drumming and music.
Baboons are trained to approach spectators and dance or perform tricks, then take money back to their masters. With the employment of spiritual charms and potions, the hyena men are able to capture and train the wild animals.
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