At Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, an exciting milestone has been achieved as the team successfully breeds fennec foxes for the first time. The birth of two kits marks a significant step forward for the park’s conservation efforts and provides hope for the species’ future within the European breeding program.
Successful Breeding Efforts at Longleat
The two fennec fox kits, each weighing a mere 110 grams at birth, are currently being hand-reared by the dedicated Longleat keepers. This intervention became necessary after the mother fox, Zuri, previously lost a litter due to an inability to produce sufficient milk. The decision to hand-rear the kits was made to ensure their survival and was considered a last resort by the park officials.
The road to successfully breeding and raising fennec foxes at Longleat has not been without its challenges. Zuri and the father fox, Enzi, experienced the loss of their first litter within 24 hours, as Zuri could not produce enough milk. This unfortunate event led the Longleat team to prepare extensively for the possibility of another litter, ensuring they had all necessary resources and plans in place to support Zuri and her young.
The birth of the current litter was closely monitored using cameras placed in the den. When it became apparent that Zuri was struggling to care for all three kits, the team made the difficult decision to remove two kits to give her the best chance to successfully raise at least one. Despite Zuri’s best efforts, the kit left with her sadly passed away. The surviving kits are now under the intensive care of keepers Samantha Peeke, Gemma Short, and Catriona Moy, who have shown unwavering commitment by staying overnight to feed the kits every two hours initially. Currently, the feeding schedule has been adjusted to every three hours, with a longer break overnight.
The Role of Longleat Keepers
Longleat keepers play a crucial role in the survival and well-being of these young fennec foxes. According to Samantha Peeke, the team is sharing the care responsibilities to prevent the kits from becoming too attached to any single caretaker. This approach aims to facilitate the eventual reintroduction of the kits to their parents. The goal is for these kits to become part of the international breeding program, contributing to the conservation and genetic diversity of the species.
Fennec foxes are native to the deserts of North Africa and are well-adapted to their environment. Their unusually large ears are not just a distinctive feature but also serve a critical function in hunting prey, such as small mammals and insects, by detecting underground movements. The successful rearing and breeding of fennec foxes at Longleat are vital for the conservation of the species, which faces threats from habitat loss and other environmental pressures.
The experience of losing previous litters has prompted Longleat’s team to take extensive preparatory measures for any future litters. Catriona Moy, Team Manager of Animal Adventure and Lakes at Longleat, emphasized the importance of being ready to support Zuri in case she is unable to produce enough milk. This preparedness includes having all necessary equipment and plans in place to intervene when needed to maximize the chances of survival for future kits.
The plan to reintroduce the surviving fennec fox kits to their parents in the summer is a hopeful step forward. The Longleat team is optimistic that the kits will integrate well with Zuri and Enzi, ultimately becoming part of the European breeding program. This program aims to ensure the long-term survival and genetic diversity of fennec foxes, highlighting the crucial role that zoos and safari parks play in global conservation efforts.
The journey of raising fennec fox kits at Longleat Safari Park is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the park’s keepers. Their efforts not only ensure the immediate survival of these vulnerable kits but also contribute significantly to the broader conservation goals for fennec foxes. As the kits grow and prepare for reintroduction to their parents, the Longleat team continues to pave the way for successful breeding and conservation practices, offering a brighter future for these remarkable creatures.
