Cincinnati Zoo Announces Birth of Adorable Bat-Eared Fox
A baby bat-eared fox was born about one week ago at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and he's pretty much too cute for words. Bat-eared Foxes are native to the savannas and grasslands of eastern and southern Africa.
Just check out this darling video that the Cincinnati zoo shared and see this little one enjoying a bottle.
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden announced in a press release that the new edition is is doing well in the care of the Zoo’s neonate specialists and animal care staff and that “The kit, a boy, is progressing well with bottle feeding. He sleeps a lot, which is normal, and makes adorable vocalizations when it’s feeding time,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s Animal Ambassador Team head keeper Samantha Villa. “His eyes are already open, and he is curious about his surroundings,” adds Senior Trainer at the Cat Ambassador Program, Andie Haugen.
Related: Zoo Miami Announces the Birth of Their Very First Tawny Frogmouth Bird
There are big plans in place for this Bat-eared Fox, because the zoo said that he will eventually become an ambassador animal, and visitors will see him in the Cheetah Encounter and at some events.
The Zoo is taking name suggestions for the kit and encourage visitors to make suggestions on social media.
Facts About Bat-Eared Foxes
This little guy is being bottle fed right now, but when he gets older his diet will consist mostly of termites.
Adult bat-eared foxes measure between 18 to 26 inches and weigh 7 to 12 pounds. Bat-eared foxes are primarily nocturnal, and they emerge from their burros at sunset to eat and socialize. Speaking of burrows, Bat-eared foxes are proficient diggers and construct elaborate burrow systems where they rest, shelter, and raise their young. These burrows provide protection from predators and extreme temperatures.
Bat-Eared Foxes have teeth that are adapted for crushing the hard exoskeletons of insects like termites.
Another thing their big ears are good for? Finding food like termites.
It's so interesting they can actually hear termites underground. The African Wildlife foundation even says that Bat- Ear foxes have an incredible sense of hearing — their large ears can hear beetle larvae hatching from dung balls.
If you would like information about the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical gardens including hours, location and admission prices, you can visit their website here.
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