Meet the Fennec Foxes

Here we can see the Fennec Fox exhibit, home to Nipper and Tripper. Nipper and Tripper are brothers who were born on May 14th, 2016. Fennec Foxes are also known as “the desert fox”. They are the smallest fox in the world, weighing just between 2-4 pounds. These foxes are native to North Africa and the Sinai and Arabian peninsulas. Fennec foxes also have a thick fur coat to insulate them against the cold of the desert night, and they’re nocturnal to avoid the heat of the desert. They have very large ears compared to their body size, which they use to regulate temperature. The ears can also detect the sounds of prey under the sand. Fennec Foxes are omnivores who eat bugs, eggs, lizards, birds, and also plant materials. They can also jump 3 feet from a standing position, live in groups of up to 10, mark their territory with urine, and can live up to 11 years.