This Easter, Longleat is celebrating the birth of three rare fennec fox kits, a significant event for the species. Described as a major milestone, the arrival of the one male and two female kits is a vital addition to the global breeding program, especially considering the species' low survival rate with only around 40 percent of fennec fox babies making it to adulthood.
Being the only fennec foxes born in UK zoos or safari parks in the past 12 months, these tiny triplets are garnering attention for their rarity. In fact, the birth of these kits holds special significance as they represent 10 percent of all fennec fox births in zoos worldwide over the past 10 months.
However, the joy of their arrival is tempered by the loss of the third litter from their parents, Zuri and Enzi, last year. The keepers, led by Catriona Moy, are working tirelessly to hand-rear these kits to ensure their survival. Zuri’s struggle to produce enough colostrum and milk means that round-the-clock feeding and care are essential for the kits' well-being.
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With the kits expected to open their eyes for the first time around Easter, the dedication of the Longleat team is evident. Samantha Peeke and Abbi Wheeler, along with the rest of the team, are providing the necessary care, knowing that hand-rearing is the best chance for these tiny foxes to thrive.
In addition to being a joyous occasion, the genetic pairing of Zuri and Enzi is crucial to the European breeding program, as it represents an important bloodline that is not found anywhere else in the UK.