Akaul, a ten-year old victim of a hyena attack, recovers from reconstructive surgery to his right eye, right ear, head, and face at the Cure Children's Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 21, 2020.
Addis Ababa and its residents have what some describe as a “long and peaceful history” with hyenas living in their city. Ask a grandfather of a young boy who was recently attacked by one if he feels that is true.
The capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is plagued by hyenas that have moved into the city from the surrounding hills. In Ethiopia, there is this belief that hyenas are beneficial to people due to their predisposition to kill and consume unseen spirits. Many see them as “being from the spirit world.” But make no mistake hyenas are very dangerous. Just ask Akaul Muse’s grandfather, who brought Akalu to the Cure Children’s Hospital in Addis, after he was attacked by a hyena.
Akaul, a ten-year old boy, while sitting on his front porch was brutally attacked by a hyena. He lost his right ear, right eye, and sustained an injury to his right leg. Akaul has also sustained brain damage. Dr. Tesfa, at the Cure Children’s Hospital, says, “We will not know the extent of his injuries for weeks. Akaul is not speaking, but I was able to talk to his grandfather about what happened. He said, “I rescued my grandson from the grips of a hyena. I did what I could to wrap him. Then, as fast as I could, we boarded a bus to Cure Hospital. It took over 2 hours to reach the hospital. I was frightened because I thought Akaul might die. We are both still in shock.”
Dr. Tesfa sees Akaul bedside at the Cure Children’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Akaul sits up in his bed at CURE Children's Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 21, 2020.
Akaul, a ten-year-old victim of a hyena attack, waits for transportation to a local hotel with his grandfather at CURE Ethiopia Children's Hospital on February 24, 2020.
Akaul, a ten-year-old victim of a hyena attack, after being discharged from a 5 week hospital stay at CURE Children's Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 24, 2020.
Akaul, a ten-year old outpatient, waits for a follow up visit with Dr. Tesfa at the Cure Chidlren's Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 27, 2020.
