Fennec Foxes make a new pair at Taronga

Fennec Foxes make a new pair at Taronga

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.