In a heartwarming turn of events at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, three fennec fox kits—one male and two females—are set to open their eyes for the first time around Easter, marking a significant milestone for the species. These tiny bundles of joy are not just adorable; they are also the only fennec foxes known to have been born in UK zoos or safari parks in the past 12 months. With only about 40 percent of fennec fox babies surviving to adulthood, the arrival of these kits is vital for the global breeding program aimed at preserving this rare species.
Born to parents Zuri and Enzi, this latest litter represents the fourth for the couple. However, the joy of their birth is tinged with sadness for the keepers, who faced heartbreak last year when the third litter did not survive despite being hand-reared from birth. Catriona Moy, Team Manager of Animal Adventure and Lakes, expressed the challenges of raising these delicate creatures, saying, "We always knew raising baby kits would be a challenge as very few young fennec foxes survive to adulthood."
To ensure the kits have the best chance of survival, the dedicated keepers at Longleat have undertaken the responsibility of hand-rearing them. Zuri, the mother, has struggled to produce enough colostrum and milk to feed her young. As a result, Moy is sharing the demanding round-the-clock feeding duties with lead keepers Samantha Peeke and Abbi Wheeler. The decision to remove the kits from their mother is not taken lightly, but as Moy noted, "It is a difficult decision to remove the babies, but we know that Zuri does not have the resources herself to successfully rear the kits and hand rearing, while a last resort, is their best chance."
When they were born, the kits weighed just 46 grams, but in just 12 days, they have already doubled in size. The keepers are currently feeding them every three hours, and they expect the kits to open their eyes for the first time within days, coinciding with the Easter celebrations. This birth is particularly significant as it contributes to the European breeding program, given that Zuri and Enzi’s genetic pairing is not represented elsewhere in the UK.
The birth of these fennec fox kits is not just a local event but a moment of global significance, as they account for a remarkable 10 percent of all fennec foxes born in zoos worldwide over the past 10 months. The rarity of this species in captivity adds weight to the importance of their survival and the efforts of the keepers at Longleat.
As the team continues to care for the kits, their commitment is evident in the sleepless nights spent ensuring the babies are healthy and thriving. The hope is that these fennec fox kits will grow strong and eventually contribute to the genetic diversity of their species, helping to secure a future for them in the wild.
With the countdown to Easter on, the excitement is palpable among the staff at Longleat. The arrival of these kits has not only brought joy but has also highlighted the crucial role that zoos and safari parks play in animal conservation. As the world watches, the fate of these fennec fox kits hangs in the balance, and their story is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by endangered species.
In conclusion, the birth of the three fennec fox kits at Longleat Safari Park is a beacon of hope for conservationists and animal lovers alike. As they prepare to open their eyes for the first time, the dedicated keepers are doing everything in their power to ensure these precious animals have a fighting chance at life and a future in the wild.
