SPOTTED hyenas are back at Adelaide Zoo after 40 years.

The “dynamic duo” from Monarto Zoo made their debut on Wednesday.

Adelaide Zoo senior keeper Jodie Sheridan welcomed the opportunity to spread the word about this “misunderstood” species.

“We’re really excited to have 15-year-old Gamba and 3-year-old Mkoko join our clan,” she said.

“They are extremely intelligent, have wonderful personalities and are excellent hunters with a success rate of up to 95 per cent.

“Research has proven hyenas to be great problem-solvers, sometimes even outperforming great apes.”

Monarto Zoo keeper Jaimee Button said the two “beautiful and highly intelligent animals” will be missed, but he’s pleased to know they’ll become ambassadors for their species at Adelaide Zoo.