Four new fennec foxes were born at the Ramat Gan Safari just outside Tel Aviv.
The four new kits with characteristically large ears were born to two fennec foxes brought to Israel from Britain and France as part of a breeding program to prevent the endangerment and extinction of the species in the North African wild.
The 7-week-old youngsters made their debut by jumping, frolicking and curiously approaching the fence of their enclosure. This is the parents’ second and largest litter. The first litter produced three kits, with two surviving.
Shlomit Sharon, who works in the park’s predator department and is responsible for nutrition, told Ynet, “The male and female live together in nature and their mating in the Safari was successful. They all currently live together with their offspring, a male and a female, who were born two years ago.”
No one saw the baby foxes for two wee ks after their birth. The mother apparently hid the newborns in a large clay pot.
“They slowly left their den and began to go out and explore their environment,” Sharon said. “All four survived the first two months and we hope that continues. They are currently nursing and the mother is teaching them to eat meat and fruit by ripping off little pieces for them. The father and two older siblings help to guard over the kits and hide them when there is loud noise. They play primarily in the morning and early afternoon and are extremely curious.”
Safari officials said the foxes will be moved to a new enclosure in several months with the emphasis on a sandy environment, rich vegetation and plenty of rocks for hiding and play. However, when the kits reach sexual maturity, the Safari will have to find them new homes in Israel and abroad. — j. wire services