July 8th, 2021

75 Sensational Hyena Tattoos

Bring on the apex predators.

When it comes to big predators, typically we think about lions, tigers and bears (Oh My!) But throughout the world, there are plenty of other predators that dominate their respected habitats. One of these is the hyena, who inhabits the savannas and sub-deserts of Africa and Asia. There are four extant species of hyena, which include the spotted hyena, brown hyena, aardwolf and striped hyena. Hyenas share characteristics with both felines and canids (dog-like carnivores), making them exceptionally unique. While they use their teeth for hunting like their fellow canids, their grooming, scent marking, mating and parental behavior are similar to felines.

Throughout Africa, there’s plenty of folklore surrounding hyenas. This lore differs greatly depending on the group. Parts of East Africa told stories of the spotted Hyena being a solar animal that brought warmth to the Earth, whereas in West Africa hyenas in folklore generally represent immorality and other negative traits.

In popular culture, we’ve seen hyenas frequently depicted throughout film, television, literature and comics. One of the most common examples comes from the 1994 Disney animated film, “The Lion King.” In this film, actors Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin and Jim Cummings voice three spotted hyenas, Shenzi, Banzai and Ed, who serve as allies to the antagonist Scar. In the 2019 computer-animated remake, we saw actors Florence Kasumba, Keegan-Michael Key and Eric André voicing their characters.

Another prominent example of hyenas in popular culture can be see through DC Comics. In the comics, supervillain Harley Quinn has two hyenas, named Bud and Lou, as pets. These hyenas have made appearances alongside Harley in many adaptations, such as the video game “Injustice 2,” the animated series “Harley Quinn” and “Batman: The Animated Series.” We even saw a hyena make it to the big screen in “Birds of Prey,” as Harley adopts a hyena whom she names Bruce, after Bruce Wayne (a.k.a. Batman), in the film.

In honor of the rich impact hyenas have on the world, take a peek at 75 epic tattoos of hyenas. Then let us know your favorite fictional hyena from popular culture in the comments section on social media.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by . (@nick.tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ERZI (@claudioerzi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zaf (@albert_zafra)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Amir Husky (@amirhusky)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chantylou (@chantylou_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matt Heinz (@mattheinztattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@am.tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joshua Giovanni (@big_youth_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ꧁ ꧂ (@astoria.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Koda (@koda.blk)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattoo Snob (@tattoosnob)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Adrian Novo (@adriannovoart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Wesley (@wesley_von_blerk)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ▪️Fullsyez▪️ (@fullsyez)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BAMBI tattoo/art (@bambi_tattoo_art)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dom Wiley (@domwileyart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rami Rosvall (@ramotattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Brent Boller (@brent_boller)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nox tattoos (@nox.tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Feinkunst Tattoo (@feinkunsttattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by J. Avery Theodore (@freakoutyonder)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by David LC (@david.monsterz)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Errol Cratt (@awfultoad)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@michellev_art)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @doskaladas

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cassie Lynn O’Neal (@cassietattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Quinn (@queuetattooer)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BECCA (@becca.lerner)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @dominotwist

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Karine P. Elliott (@karine.p.elliott)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ariana Tormenta (@arianatormenta)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matt Driscoll (@raptorlazer)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Luca Gemmiti (@luca_gemmiti)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Oscar Conejeros (@oscar.conejeros)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sanja Stojkov (@neon_blck)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Eric Moreno (@ericmoren0)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dani (@danijtattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ossian Staraj (@ossianstarajtattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicolas Gumo (@ugly_kid_gumo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Luiz Lacorte (@lacortetattooer)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by phredrorschach (@phredrorschach)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sage | TATTOO ARTIST (@_wisesage)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MARIÑE PEREZ (@marineperez)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lunar Ink (@lunar.tatts)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tiago Borges (@tiagoborgestattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Christian Poiré (@christianpoire)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by jin_q choi (@jin_qchoi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 우 영 (@oo0tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by All Sacred Tattoo (@allsacredtattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HOLLOW PRIEST (@hollowpriest)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Yuliana Erhan (@lanaerhan)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Killer Ink Limited (@killerinktattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cole Pittman (@cole_pittman)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gutsha (@gutsha_ink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matt Curzon Tattoo (@mattcurzon)

Editor's Picks

Events
Met Gala 2025: The Best Tattooed Celebrity Looks

At the 2025 Met Gala, inked celebrities like Rihanna, Cardi B, and Lewis Hamilton proved tattoos are the ultimate high-fashion accessory.

Culture
May the 4th Ink Be With You: Best Star Wars Tattoos for Superfans

Celebrate Star Wars Day with tattoos that showcase the Force—from Darth Vader portraits to minimalist Baby Yoda ink. May the ink be with you!

Events
Diplo, Jelly Roll, Zach Bryan, and More: Highlights from Stagecoach 2025

Stagecoach 2025 delivered epic performances, unforgettable moments, and nonstop energy under the desert skies of Indio, California.

InkedMagCover