Fennec fox foursome born in Ramat Gan Safari
The four new kits with characteristically large ears were born to two fennec foxes from Britain and France as part of a breeding program to prevent the endangerment and extinction of the species in the North African wild.
The quadruplets were born to Penny and Louie, both nine years old, who immigrated to Israel from Britain and France, respectively.
This is the second litter of the proud parents and their largest. The first litter produced three kits, with only two surviving.
Shlomit Sharon, who works in the park's predator department and is responsible for nutrition, told Ynet, "The male and female live together in nature and their mating in the Safari was successful. They all currently live together with their offspring, a male and a female, who were born two years ago.
"We discovered Penny was pregnant when she began to be aggressive toward caregivers who entered the enclosure to clean dishes by barking and trying to expel them."
After giving birth, the caregivers do not see the kits for two weeks. The mother apparently hid the newborns in a large clay pot planted in the soil for the foxes.
"They slowly left their den and began to go out and explore their environment," said Shlomit. "All four survived the first two months and we hope that continues. They are currently nursing and the mother is teaching them to eat meat and fruit by ripping off little pieces for them. The father and two older siblings help to guard over the kits and hide them when there is loud noise. They play primarily in the morning and early afternoon and are extremely curious."
Safari officials stated that the foxes will be moved to a new enclosure in several months where emphasis will be placed on a sandy environment, rich vegetation and plenty of rocks for hiding and play. However, when the kits reach sexual maturity, the Safari will have to find them new homes in Israel and abroad.
