Taronga
Zoo has welcomed a new Fennec Fox pair, with a female from Adelaide and male
from Germany taking up residence in Sydney.
The
tiny foxes, which grow to just 20cm tall, have huge ears that are so sensitive
they can hear insects walking on the sand of their North African and Arabian
desert homes.
‘Sha’
the female arrived at Taronga from Adelaide Zoo about 12 months ago but has
recently been introduced to ‘Zinder’ a male which made the journey from
Augsburg Zoo in Bavaria, Germany, recently.
The
international coupling was planned to create a new genetic bloodline in the
Australasian breeding program for this small canine species.
Carnivore
Manager, Louise Ginman, said: “It took us about two weeks to introduce Sha and
Zinder. Initially Zinder was very nervous and anxious as Sha is an outgoing
little fox, and he’s very timid.”
“They’ve
now bonded as a couple and just the other day we saw mating between them, which
is definitely a good start to the breeding program,” said Louise.
“Despite
Zinder’s shyness, he is very attentive to Sha and if they do have young he’ll
have the job of collecting and bringing food to Sha in the early mothering
days.”
“Sha
loves her food with favourites being mice, fruit and insects.”
Fennec
Fox which are the smallest of all canines. They’re a nocturnal animal and our
Roar and Snore sleep-over guests have told us that Zinder turns into a little
wild thing at night, pouncing and exploring all the areas of his desert-themed
home,” said Louise.
In
the wild, the small foxes have adapted to their harsh climate, and can go for
long periods without water whilst their elongated ears help dissipate the heat
and pick up the sound of insects scuttling across the sands.
Fennec
Foxes also have thick fur on the bottom of their feet to insulate them from the
hot desert sands and to muffle their footfall, making them quieter while
stalking their prey.