✨ Beauty in the Beast – Help Me Protect Hyenas and People

Hi, my name is Carolien and I run the Instagram page @beautylnthebeast a project dedicated to sharing the truth, beauty, and misunderstood brilliance of one of nature’s most fascinating animals: the hyena.

I’ve been working with hyena’s for a couple of years now. where I’ve been lucky enough to build trust, observe their complex behavior, and educate the public about their intelligence and role in nature. But now, I want to take the next step: setting up my own research project in Africa, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of human-hyena coexistence in the wild.

What am I fundraising for?

I’m raising funds to support my journey toward starting an independent field research project in Africa that aims to:

• Study wild hyena behavior in their natural habitat

• Investigate causes of human-wildlife conflict involving hyenas

• Work with local communities to find sustainable solutions for coexistence

• Collect data that can contribute to long-term conservation efforts

This is not just an internship or a one-time visit… this is the foundation for a long-term project I hope to grow into a career in conservation science.

Why hyenas?

Because they are misunderstood , and that misunderstanding puts both them and people at risk.

Hyenas are often seen as dangerous scavengers, but they are extremely intelligent, social, and crucial for ecosystem balance. With better understanding and research, we can help prevent conflict, reduce fear, and protect both communities and nature.

This project is about changing perceptions, building respect, and creating real-world solutions.

What your donation supports:

• Research equipment (field notebook, binoculars, GPS, camera)

• Partnership costs with a local wildlife organization

• Future educational outreach using the data I collect

• Important : my travel and housing costs will be funded 100% by my own savings.

Why I need your support

As someone already working with animals and especially hyenas I’ve seen first-hand how important understanding is. But starting your own field research as an early-career conservationist isn’t easy, especially without institutional funding.

That’s why I’m asking for your help. whether you donate, share, or follow the journey, you’re part of building something that can make a real difference.

Follow the journey

Everything I do will be shared through Instagram @beautylnthebeast. from the planning stage to fieldwork, to data, stories, and the hyenas themselves. You’ll see exactly what your support makes possible.

Let’s change the way the world sees hyenas.

Let’s prove there’s beauty in the beast.

Thank you.